By JACKIE MAJERUS
Journal Register News Service

HARTFORD — City and state officials representing Bristol and New Britain gathered Wednesday to herald Michael Schroeder, the incoming owner and publisher of five newspapers that had been threatened with closure by their current owner, the Journal Register Co.

“It is great news,” said state Rep. Tim O’Brien, a New Britain Democrat who said he and fellow lawmakers from Bristol and New Britain got involved after learning that their hometown newspapers would close if they weren’t sold by the middle of this month. He said they were concerned about the impact the loss of the papers would have on their communities.

Lawmakers said many people helped spread the news about the plight of the papers, from politicians to state economic development officials to members of the press.

“The word got out,” said O’Brien, “and Mr. Schroeder read about it in The New York Times.”

Bristol Mayor Art Ward showed off a copy of Wednesday’s Bristol Press, where the lead story announced Schroeder’s plan to purchase the paper.

“It’s a great headline to see in the morning,” said Ward, who said Schroeder and his investment partner is the “economic stimulus for the newspaper industry” in Connecticut.

“It’s good news for a new year,” said New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart.

Stewart and Bristol Mayor Art Ward, who met privately with Schroeder in the last days of December, said their impression of him was good from the start.

“From minute one, his focus has been community,” said Ward.

Both mayors pledged to do what they could to help Schroeder’s new venture.

“It is our job to make sure you’re successful,” said Stewart. “Your success goes alongside ours.”

Schroeder, who along with a private investor recently formed Central Connecticut Communications, intends to close soon on the purchase of two daily papers, The Bristol Press and The Herald of New Britain and three weeklies, the Newington Town Crier, the Wethersfield Post and the Rocky Hill Post.

All together, the papers have 95 employees, said Schroeder.

O’Brien said the new publisher will have access to the same programs through the state Department of Economic and Community Development that any other business does.

Schroeder said there is no state money in the deal now, but he said, “I’ll take every nickel I can get.”

Bristol has a series of economic development programs aimed at job retention and growth, and Ward said the newspaper would be eligible for those.

“We don’t expect to get handouts,” said Schroeder. “We don’t expect to get something for nothing.”

Stewart said there may be money available for retraining workers for new technology.

“The paper is no different than any other business,” said Stewart, who said his goal is saving local jobs.

Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, said the legislators tried to drum up support and interest in the papers, but weren’t involved in the negotiations.

Perseverance paid off, said Nicastro. “This is a positive ending.”