Letter to the Editor: Write in Candidate for Mayor Brian E. Clark

Get to know Brian E. Clark

Now that I have announced my candidacy for Mayor, it’s important that you get to know who I am, and where I stand on certain issues. I am 36 years old, a divorced father of 2 girls, Kaylin 13, and Olivia 7. I am, however, engaged to Kaylin’s mother, Nicoleen Watson. I have lived in the City of Middletown my entire life. I am what some may call, a “blue collar” candidate. You will rarely catch me wearing a suit, and just because I’m running for political office doesn’t mean I’ll be dressing up for the occasion. I had worked hard for everything I have, and not every moment of my life has been glorious. I am different from other candidates because of what I have gone through in my life, and I firmly believe that gives me an edge over them. I suffer from the disease of addiction, though it’s well under control. I have been clean of all substances for 3 years now. It’s also true that I am a convicted felon, having spent almost 2 ½ years in prison, for planning a robbery. I also was released from probation on May 12th, almost 3 years early, for cooperating with my probation officer. There have been times in my life, that haven’t been the best, but I’ve also come to know what needs correcting at that level as well. I firmly believe in rehabilitation over penalization. If we invest in our citizens, all of our citizens, we as a city can reap the rewards.

As far as my view on spending and taxes, I think we are taxed to death in this town, and while we can’t live in the past, I certainly plan to use the surplus we have accrued from Dan Drew’s tax increases, for our benefit, and look to lower, or at least stabilize the mill rate. According to CERC, we are enjoying a $14 million surplus; that can go a long way to re-enforcing our Police and Fire Departments, and ensuring they have the latest equipment to ensure our safety. Another way that could be spent is to fund Pre-K in our Public Schools, so that we can better educate our children. Another item I’d like to look in to, as a Certified Firefighter, and former EMT, is, is Hunter’s Ambulance the best choice for our city. Hunters has been our EMS Service for years now, but I believe that our Fire Department, or Middlesex Hospital could do the same job, yet ensuring that there is always available Ambulance’s in our city, ready to respond to our citizen’s emergency medical needs. 

As for my availability to debate the other candidates, it’s pretty simple; anywhere, anytime. I’m not afraid to face either Dan Drew, or Sandra Russo-Driska, and would welcome the opportunity. Running as a Write-In candidate is not a popular method of running for office, but I’m not your typical candidate. I don’t plan on having a campaign budget, or a campaign staff. I know once the people of Middletown get to know me, and what I stand for, the name Brian E. Clark won’t be difficult to write on November 3rd. I am available to either candidate, or any member of the public, just email me at clarkofmiddletown@live.com. I think this will be an interesting Mayoral race, and look forward to it.

Brian E. Clark, Middletown

Guestblog: Hiring Process by John Milardo

Below is a essay by John Milardo. All opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of the Insider staff, burden of proof lies with the author. The newsletter in its original format can be downloaded and read here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1jNyt0vXvnBe2mhZco6bg4Zf7JAlzntf47r79m5FoiccESLX16UvuuEkidvRl/edit?usp=sharing

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   John Milardo And Justice For All A NEWSLETTER  “And Justice For All” is a newsletter involving my opinions, views, and commentary as a life long Middletown resident. In my capacity as a former employee of Middletown (retired) for over 41 years, I have a different perspective regarding how and why public figures do what they do.

  Note:  Any similarities in this article between those living or deceased are purely                          coincidental and/or speculative on the reader’s part.

  If you were to hire someone to head a City department, say hypothetically for streets and maybe parks, what qualifications would you incorporate in your job criteria?  I’ll give you similar criteria used in the past.  Past criteria: 

 • Know how to paint lines on our streets.  Until very recently this criteria no longer applies because it is not considered to be part of the department. How?  I don’t know?

 • Must be promoted to a supervisory position, and have no knowledge of the work you will be supervising. 

 • Must have a BS degree in engineering.  If engineering qualification cannot be met, the City will remove it from the job, so their applicant now meets the new minimum qualifications; with no engineering degree.  This educational removal will not reduce the salary grade.  The applicant will earn the same salary as if he/she had earned the degree. 

  • Must possess the ability to become invisible and not located during the work day.  This is a must if you’re going to be the head of the department.  
   • The ability to be a puppet and protégé of our City’s political godfather(s). 

   • Capable of providing employment, at the taxpayer’s expense, for girlfriends (after approved by the Mayor).  

   • Ability to provide already rehearsed answers to the Common Council members when required.  

   • Ability to look pathetic when asked non-rehearsed questions by the Common Council members.  
   • The ability to call upon others within the department to answer questions of the Common Council that you have no idea how to?  
  • Ability to lie without sweating or blushing. • Must be morally capable to accept graft funds when offered. • The ability to be a silent partner bar owner, where Common Council members and politicians can meet and receive free refreshments.  
 • The ability to consume large quantities of alcoholic beverages.  
 • The ability to believe your life is part of the “Sopranos” television show.
 • Must be capable of sucking up to every politician in both political parties, and serve as a waiter for them at public functions.  No spinal column required.
• Wage scale:  As much of taxpayer’s money as possible for doing political favors for personal gain.   Present criteria:  See above.   

 Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth. John Milardo