Many business owners in the center of town, their employees and some residents want to see Peter (Parkin' Pete) Cianciolo reinstated as the town's parking enforcement officer.

They expressed their support for Cianciolo in a letter and petition sent to Selectman William F. Dranginis. The petition has 98 signatures and asks for Cianciolo's reinstatement.

Dranginis read the letter at Tuesday's selectmen's meeting and presented the petition, but the board refused to accept either, a decision Dranginis called "outrageous."

According to First Selectman Leo Paul Jr., selectmen can't accept petitions. Petitions are for the town clerk, who must verify the signatures.

The board also wouldn't to add to correspondence a letter accompanying the petition. Both were mailed to Dranginis. According to the letter, it was written on behalf of residents, business owners in the center of town and their employees.

Dranginis wanted the letter added to the board's correspondence file but received no support. Dranginis believes the petition and letter show how unpopular Paul's decision to eliminate the parking enforcement officer's position in June was.

Cianciolo held the job for 15 years and did a good job monitoring parking, according to the letter. Cianciolo, according to the letter, also helped businesses by pointing tourists to shops and restaurants.

"The majority of the people and business establishments in the center of Litchfield would like to see Pete back on the job," the letter reads. "We feel there is a need for monitored parking."

Dranginis was the lone selectman to support a grievance the union representing Cianciolo filed on his behalf in July.

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