Former City Council Member Paul McAllister signed a letter of intent Friday to seek petition signatures to run against Mayor Mark Boughton for mayor in November.
McAllister served for four terms on the city council, and he lost his bid for reelection in 2003 in a broad Republican sweep. He created a committee in 2004 to lead the Democrats against Boughton in 2005, but didn't get the nod.
McAllister could not be reached for comment Friday night, but Democratic Town Committee Chairman Joe DaSilva said he was relieved to have a candidate to run against Boughton in the fall.
"It's infinitely better to have a candidate than not," DaSilva said. "it's better, not easier."
Both the Democrats and Republicans held nominating conventions this week in Danbury, and it looked like Boughton would run unopposed. The Democrats didn't have a candidate when they adjourned the convention.
Instead, McAllister came forward Thursday evening saying he was willing to petition with 550 signatures for the Democrat's top spot on the ballot. DaSilva gave him until Friday evening to commit to the plan. He signed the letter of intent Friday evening at Democratic Party headquarters on Main Street.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
