Mayor Ted Gatsas, who underwent heart bypass surgery last Tuesday, was released from Catholic Medical Center yesterday and is resting comfortably at home.

Gatsas: On the mend.

Gatsas: On the mend.

In an interview with Girard at Large, Gatsas said he’s “feeling better than ever” with an enthusiasm that made a believer of his interviewer.  He expects to be back at work at his office in City Hall a week from today.

Gatsas declined to comment on an email sent two days after his surgery by Board of Aldermen Chairman Dan O’Neil condemning the mayor for being “disrespectful to the aldermen and to the citzens of Manchester,” for not providing enough information about his condition and whether or not he was capable of executing the duties of the office.  Gatsas did say, however, that throughout the ordeal, he and his staff remained in contact with city department heads and authorized any paperwork necessary to keep the city functioning without delays.  He said that while he wouldn’t be at any meetings this week, he would be watching them on government access television.

Gatsas seemed eager to get back to City Hall.  “The doctors cleaned me all up,” he said.  “I’m good for another 100,000 miles!”  The mayor was eager for people to know he was well, feeling “great,” and ready to address the challenges the city continues to face without ever having been out of touch with them, despite his circumstance  He also expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from residents and friends across the state.