Both of Middletown’s
political Party’s have announced their respective slates for the November
Mayoral election. The Democrats
nominated Daniel T. Drew, and the Republicans nominated Sandra Russo-Driska for
Mayor. There are old and new faces
running for Common Council seats, Board of Education, Planning & Zoning,
Treasurers, and Board of Assessment Appeals, and City Treasurer.
“The Hartford
Courant” reported on July 24th, that Democratic Councilman Gerry Daley
made the official nomination for Daniel T. Drew to run for a third term. Councilman Daley said in the past four years,
Middletown has made great progress under Drew's leadership. "With
Mayor Drew's leadership we have managed to cut taxes and improve our bond
rating," Daley said.
Okay, I know all the
political rhetoric is going to be put out there, and it’s just a guess on my
part that the Democrats believe that the voting public is really stupid! If Councilman Gerry Daley truly believes creating
the highest bonding debt Middletown has ever seen is progress, then someone
better check what else is in the “Kool-Aid” he drinks during meetings!
Our mil rates over the past
three (3) years have increased 6.3 mils.
Sure Dan came in with a minus one-tenth of a mil decrease (-.1) this
year – we’ve got elections going on.
Another tax increase would have all but killed any chance for him to be
re-elected. The 6.3 mil rate increase during
Dan’s three (3) years, means a house which is assessed at $150,000 now pays $945
more in taxes per year. That’s not chump
change!
Then there is his City
department reorganization, which cost the taxpayers’ a hefty $400,000 plus per
year, with absolutely no additional benefits to the citizenry whatsoever! (But, that
cost includes taking care of his political friends.)
There are the eight (8)
lawsuits against the City of Middletown, which current Mayor Drew has inflicted
on the public - minority terminations et al.
The couple of recent
settlements have cost the taxpayers’ well over a million dollars, but Mayor Drew’s “open and transparent government” will not publicly report the outcomes to the people of Middletown.
settlements have cost the taxpayers’ well over a million dollars, but Mayor Drew’s “open and transparent government” will not publicly report the outcomes to the people of Middletown.
We also have the conflicts
within Middletown’s own Democratic Party.
A Democratic primary election is on the horizon, because Councilwoman
Hope Kasper, an eight (8) year Councilperson, (Dan must like the number 8) was
the only Democratic (female) Councilperson not re-nominated for another term in
office. Danny seems to have a problem
with “protected class” individuals. Am I
the only one who sees this pattern?
The heavily loaded Dan Drew
Democratic Town Committee chopped her right out of the picture because she dared
to have a difference of opinion than Mayor Dan regarding the City of Middletown
employees’ pension fund, and the recent Fire Department EMT qualification job
change. Even a speech during nominations
from Councilman Thomas Serra couldn’t help save Hope from the axe! If anyone thinks that Drew had nothing to do
with Ms. Kasper’s removal from the ticket, then you must be drinking Gerry
Daley’s “Kool-Aid” too!
In yesterday’s “MiddletownInsider” there was an article involving the “Ryan Woods Autism Foundation” charity,
which Brenda Wilson is the founder of. Ms.
Wilson’s letter to the Mayor and Health Department basically accuses Mayor
Dan’s of not properly funding this charity due to his not being elected to
their Board of Directors. The article is
interesting, but not surprising as this is Dan’s method of operation. If he doesn’t get what he wants, you will pay
the consequences! It doesn’t matter to
him! Hell! He doesn’t have any ties to Middletown! When he no longer is Mayor, he’ll move back
to New Milford.
Councilman Gerry Daley is a
good Democratic soldier, and will do what the Party wants and needs him to
do. Over the next few months, he’ll be
their point man during Council meetings.
He will be on attack mode when the Mayor tells him to “go get’em”. I always thought Gerry was a really smart and
decent politician. Seems to me he needs
to check what’s in the “Kool Aid” before he pours it into his glass and drinks
it.
Stay strong. Stay involved. Stay together. Seek the truth.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions and views expressed in this
newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be
construed as fact or advice. The author
is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as
such. The opinions and commentary do not
reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group. This newsletter reflects opinions and
commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.
Thanks for bringing this into the public light, John.
ReplyDeleteWhy would either slate put former Working Families csndidate Phil Pessina back on? Lost my faith right there
ReplyDelete