PRESS RELEASE: ELECT SANDRA 2015
For Immediate Publication
October 23, 2015
During the 2011 campaign, Candidate Dan Drew often criticized then-Mayor Sebastian Giuliano- for entangling the City in “expensive lawsuits”. In truth, there was only one lawsuit that was the subject of Mr. Drew’s complaints, that being the dispute between the City and the Board of Education. That lawsuit concerned the limits between the authority granted to the Board of Education by state statutes and the authority granted to the City by state law and the City Charter. It was resolved in favor of the City and the position taken by Mayor Giuliano was ultimately vindicated. In addition, this action resulted in the adoption of practices that make the BOE budgets more transparent and have separated capital expenditures from operating expenditures.
Dan Drew has been in office nearly four years. In that time, he appears to have lost his aversion to lawsuits. Instead of protecting the City from litigation, Mayor Drew has exposed the City to no less than ELEVEN claims in federal and state court, as well as the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. All of these claims are brought by city employees who have claimed violations of employment laws or civil rights, including but not limited to:
Connecticut General Statute §46a-60(a)(4) (Retaliatory discharge or discipline)
Connecticut General Statute §46a-60(a)(1) (Discrimination against a member of a protected class)
Title VII, U. S. Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000e (Equal Employment Opportunities violation)
Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §§621-634
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
Connecticut General Statute §46a-58(a) (Deprivation of rights guaranteed by U.S. or State Constitution)
Connecticut General Statute §46a-81c (Sexual orientation discrimination in employment)
Connecticut General Statute §46a-60(a)(5) (aiding or abetting a discriminatory practice, or coercing or compelling the doing of a discriminatory act)
Connecticut General Statute §7-465 (Indemnification for the acts of municipal employees)
Breach of Contract (Collective Bargaining Agreement)
Violation of the Municipal Pension Ordinance
Wrongful Termination of Employment
Breach of Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
While employment-related claims are not unheard-of, never in the history of the City of Middletown have there been this many brought in a single administration. Also, while the Giuliano-BOE lawsuit could only result in a “declaration” of the respective rights, duties and obligations of the parties, the current batch of claims exposes the City to potentially large damage awards. At least one has already resulted in staggering sums of money paid to claimants.
These cases are not only expensive in terms of compensatory and/or punitive damages, but significant litigation costs as well, in many cases to “outside” legal counsel; the handling of these cases “in-house” would exhaust the resources of the City’s own legal department. Contrary to the assertions of the Mayor that we are “saving money” and “reducing costly personnel disputes” as a result of his “governmental reorganization”, the truth is that, under his watch, there are more claims and they are costing us more.
The record speaks for itself: Dan Drew came to the Mayor’s Office with no appreciable management skills or leadership abilities and he has not developed any in the time he has been here. Another (now four-year) Drew term is likely to produce yet more of the same. These kinds of claims are not only detrimental to the interests of the direct participants, but to the general climate among the entire municipal workforce as well. Working for an administration that is so demonstrably hostile to its subordinates creates a sense of distrust and anxiety among City employees who only want to do their jobs. They cannot be sure of when – or why – they might end-up in the Mayor’s crosshairs. This is the atmosphere that permeates City Hall under Dan Drew’s stewardship.
A Sandra Russo-Driska administration will restore the sense of security and pride in the City workforce while, at the same time, implementing a new level of professionalism and accountability that will be clear and understandable.
This week Republican Mayoral Candidate Sandra Russo-Driska's campaign manager issued a press release titled"Democrats for Sandra 2015."As the chairperson for that newly formed political action committee, I must set the record straight on the comments within the article, "Democrats for Sandra formed" published on Aug. 14.
Mr. Drew's attack on three lifelong residents of Middletown is the exact reason this PAC was formed. As it was stated in the press release and subsequent story, the Democratic Party "bullied" a long-standing councilwoman into attempting a primary to regain her nomination to the Common Council. Mr. Drew did not address those facts and instead chose to attempt to impugn the reputation of those people who disagree with his politics.
On May 9, 2014, the Middletown Press published a story that announced the nominations of a new fire chief and a new deputy fire chief. In that article, Drew stated, "Both men have had long and distinguished careers within Middletown's fire service and both are scholars in their field and have earned the status of 'executive fire officer,' an elite designation granted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that requires intensive preparation and the meeting and maintenance of rigorous federal standards.
"They are visionaries who understand that the demands on the fire service are evolving in the 21st century beyond just the core missions carried out in the 20th."
If what he stated in those comments were true and I was not given the promotion I wanted, then I have to wonder why the mayor nominated me, was vetted, and was unanimously approved by the Common Council by a 12-0 vote. In Ms. O'Hara's case, she has never applied for a city job and she has her picture on just about every billboard in Middletown. She is an upstanding businesswoman in our community.
Ms. Zimmitti made it clear what was done to her and the reasoning behind it. Maybe he meant I had applied for the fire chief's position originally. But I'm fairly certain he does not want to venture down those avenues.
I am stating for the record one more time, as the press release read, and all of my heart believes. I am supporting Sandra Russo-Driska because of my lifelong friendship with her, her ability to govern by reaching across both aisles, and because I am tired of lifelong city residents being bullied and impugned because of their political beliefs.
My career and reputation as a fire officer is impeccable, and although I know it won't happen, it would be proper for Mr. Drew to apologize for his personal attack and innuendos directed at me, the non-candidate.
To put you completely
in the proper mindset for the following opinion piece, I would like you all to watch
(control/click) the following very short (30 second) “YouTube” video of
comedian and political satirist Lewis Black.
When you read this Newsletter, please put his tone and passion in my
words to get its true feeling.
(Warning:
This video contains adult mature language, and may be offensive to some
individuals. Lewis Black and censorship
just don’t work as well!)
Back to local
politics! I try to stay abreast of
issues involving my hometown, Middletown.
I was born, raised, schooled, worked, and lived in this town for my
entire life. I’ve been around local
politics most of my life - worked for several mayoral and Common Council
candidates and their campaigns over the last 45 years. So I know the nature of the beast. Most of the politicians who have been elected
Mayors of Middletown had the best interest of our town at heart. Only one (1) Mayor has put himself ahead of
this town and the people who live here, and that is current Mayor Daniel Drew.
Graphic by Middletown Insider, from our files back when Mayor Drew took $800,000 from the pension fund & Councilmembers including Hope Kasper objected. We thought it fitting for this blog piece.
Middletown’s
demographics have changed over the years.
An influx of people into Middletown and the migration of adults to
southern states over the past two or so decades has changed local election
races. No one, but no one, has been more
methodical than Daniel T. Drew in selecting
which town he would move to so he could begin his political morphing. What is the reason he didn’t stay in his
shoreline hometown area and decided to rent a house here? He selected Middletown with its 4 to 1
Democratic voter ratio. A sure bet that
if he got his foot in the door, he would get elected to an office. Seriously, he came out of nowhere! He just starting showing up at events meetings
and rubbing elbows.
How Drew publically
portrays himself is not the same as “behind closed door Dan”. The real Dan Drew wants to be a career politician. He is mean spirited, vindictive, and
arrogant! I have seen it myself when I
worked for the City as a manager and a Union representative. He is so vindictive, that town employees and
some local politicians in his own Party are scared to have their own opinion
(not Hope Kasper). If they don’t march
to his drum, they will be privately attacked, threatened and worse! Ask Hope Kasper!
Little Dan Dan & Big Dannel. Don't blame Mr. Milardo for these tasteless graphics. All Middletown Insider stock photos!
Middletown was his selected town to begin the political
journey he wants to ride forever. Being
a public servant is not an advocacy for Dan, it is a career, a job. Middletown is
a stepping stone for him. He is one of
Governor Dannel Malloy’s closest political allies. Dan Drew bends over backwards for Malloy and
the big campaign money and power he brings in for him. Dan Drew emulates Malloy’s every move – right
up to his tax increases! The local
Democrats know they created a monster in Drew, who is now so power hungry that he
doesn’t listen to any one in town. It’s
his way or the highway!
(My voice is getting
louder now) Mayor Drew announces to
anyone who will listen that he has made Middletown better! (Yelling now!) He hasn’t done squat other than raise taxes, screw
up City departments, go to school to further his own education on the taxpayers’
dime, and start a new State wide group called “CT Conference of Democratic Mayors”,
which of course he is the chairman of (again taxpayer’s dime?).
Dan Drew can
proclaim all that he has done for Middletown, but the financial ledger doesn’t
lie! There is no increase of
productivity, efficiency or savings to the taxpayers! Why are employees who work in City
departments posting comments that facilities in town have never looked
so bad!? Yet, he will state on local
television they look better than ever! Where
is the information from the Finance Department to prove there was a savings
when City departments where consolidated?
Where is the financial report from the Finance Department which proves
the wonderful street light purchase saves the taxpayer the money he said it
would? It’s a scam Dan perpetuates so he
can brainwash the public to believe if it were not for him, Middletown would be
another Detroit!
(no disrespect to Detroit)
Look! A guy (Dan Drew) with a “stone face” can try
to make sense of a program called
“I Did Your Mother”, (taxpayer funded) on national television, will attempt to
try and sell you anything! You don’t
believe me? Watch this video from the
“Bill O’Reilly Show” featuring Dan Drew’s commentary.
Next subject! Why are there still managerial vacancies in
the Recreation Department, Public Works Department, and the Information &
Technology (IT) Department?
For the past three (3)
years, the Recreation Department has a long tenured female as the “acting
director”. Mayor Drew refuses to appoint
her permanently! Why? Don’t completely know why, but it could be
that she has no connection to Hartford. Or,
maybe he just doesn’t like her? Oh, by
the way – she is qualified. I’m not the
one saying she is qualified, the City’s Human Resource Department declared her
qualified.
The Deputy Director
of Public Works retired several months ago, but the vacancy still exists. The Mayor doesn’t feel it is even necessary
to appoint an “acting” person to fill the void.
Why? You’ll have to ask Dan. There is a qualified employee within the City
who has applied for the position. Why no
appointment yet? This is an important
position for this department as it requires an engineering degree, which is not
a requirement for the Director of the department. Someone must be able to recognize if road
work, drainage work, parks and facility work is being performed by contractors
per engineering and/or architectural design specifications.
Then there is the IT
Department. Dan places an internal
department employee in the “acting” capacity as Director for over a year now, without
appointing him and backfilling his position.
Everyone knows in today’s work environment, you cannot do without a
properly staffed and operating IT Department.
Why no appointment? Once again –
ask Dan!
Mayor Dan has supported
and acknowledged these personnel are qualified for the position as he appoints
them into these “acting” positions. You
would not place a person in the “acting” position if he/she is not qualified to
do so, per Personnel Rules. You can read
the United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU) contract language below, (previously
The Teamsters Union).
Furthermore, if
someone in UPSEU (all three (3) of these jobs) is qualified for the vacant
position, once the positions are posted for testing, the clock starts
ticking. Mayor Dan Drew must
appoint said person to the vacancy in a permanent capacity.
The UPSEU/Teamster contract language is as follows:
ARTICLE XXIV
VACANCY POSTINGS
Before filling any vacancy or newly created position
in the bargaining unit, the City shall conduct a combined departmental/Citywide
posting of the said position for a period often (10) working days and shall
send a copy of such posting to the Union. Qualification examinations for
internal bargaining unit applicants for the position shall be administered
within fifteen (15) days after the closing date of the posting unless unusual
circumstances, including but not limited to acts of God, budget or financial
circumstances or sickness prevent otherwise. The said position will be filled
within fifteen (15) days thereafter provided the applicant(s) has(ve) met all
of the necessary qualifications for the said position. If there are no qualified members
of the bargaining unit for the said position, the City shall post the position
as open-competitive.
The shaded area means
“qualified members” are hired before anyone else. This
language was agreed upon during the last labor contract negotiations which
Mayor Daniel T. Drew was involved in, as was I as a Union Representative. In the past, Mayor Drew has adhered to this
language. I’m not sure what has changed?
My theory for Drew
not making appointments is so he can claim he has reduced the workforce, when
in reality it is to keep positions vacant to show an insignificant financial
reduction. This is a detriment to the operation of these departments, but also
for the taxpayer because of the trickle down affect regarding the City’s
response and actions to citizen issues.
SO! BETWEEN DAN DREW
COSTING THE CITY TAXPAYERS MONEY WITH HIS FAILED DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION, THE
PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHTS, THREE (3) OUT OF FOUR (4) YEAR OF TAX HIKES UNDER
HIS REGIME, THE LAWSUIT SETTLEMENTS HE DOESN’T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR DISCLOSE,
AND HIS REFUSAL TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS IN KEY DEPARTMENT POSITIONS; IT JUST
PROVES THAT HE IS NOT A VERY GOOD MAYOR/MANAGER! (By the way, I was just screaming!)
The last thought
comes from the final show that Jon Stewart hosted on the “Comedy Centrals
Dailey Show” last week. Stewart offered
a soliloquy on what was his central job as host — finding doubletalk in the
public arena and exposing it for the world to see, although he used a stronger
term for it. He urged viewers to be vigilant in watching for it themselves. “If you smell something, say something,” he said. Middletown
voters need to “say something” on Election Day and say goodbye to Dan Drew!
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.
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.
Ironically, we had this graphic by Middletown Insider on file from'13 before Mr. Milardo's fittingly titled newsletter. And ironically, it says "Just add Hope" Democrats Ms. Kasper,Sean King and Steven Kovach pulled paper work to get signatures to primary. And we have a feeling they might not be the only D's doing so.
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.
Last night at the common council meeting newly retired Town Clerk Sandra Russo Driska was honored with a plaque. Pictured below is Driska and her husband Zoning Enforcement Officer Bruce Driska and Councilman Todd Berch. Councilman Tom Serra said Driska was the most "personable and friendly city employee he had ever met" when complimenting the Town Clerk on her 27 years of service to the city.
The Common Council went on to vote in favor of the purchase of the 50 acres of land in the Maromas area of town for $150,000 to be named "Save Maromas" in honor of long time environmental activist and Conservation Commission member Katchen Coley. Coley was in the audience with her family. Michael Keen, a member of the Conservation Committee spoke in favor of the purchase.
Councilman Joe Bibisi said," I was on the Conservation Committee in the beginning, and it was us who fought to get $5 million set aside for open space, this property has been at the top of the list since the beginning, very desirable for the city. It is beautiful with trails and will be a benefit to citizens."
Citizen and former Councilman Earle Roberts who lives in the Maromas area as well, questioned the Council's method for selecting the particular property over some 20 others on the Conservation Commissions list of desirable open space areas. Roberts, who was on the Conservation Commission in 1983 which allocated thru referendum the first $5 million dollars for the purchase of open space for the City, argued that general fund money ( the $100,000 of the total $150,000 sum) should not pay for such a purchase when an open space fund was available, and neither should funds received from the state for road renovations. Roberts said he was in favor of the purchase, just questioned the the proper vetting and the proposed ways the City would pay for the property.
Roberts started to comment o staff comments in the meeting minutes by Planning and Zoning Department Director William Warner, but before Roberts could elaborate further, Mayor Drew said "Nooo nooo nooo Earle, I will not accept allegations, if you keep speaking I will have you thrown out."
The Mayor then cut off the microphone's power and without looking up, closed the public portion of the hearing.All the members of the Council who spoke were in favor of the purchase but debated the means to pay for it.
Councilman Phil Pessina, at the start of the meeting, said " It is unfair to citizens, that on July 1 - the start of the fiscal year, we are already drawing money from the general fund, when last year taxpayers had a tax increase. Of course we want to purchase this property, but this is not the way to pay for it. This is not fair to tax payers." Pessina charged the city look for other means. Pessina pointed out that the rules for using the $322,000 in LoCIP funding from the state previously only for road, building and sidewalk projects, had changed. Money is already scheduled to be used by the BOE for building improvements. Ultimately, the open space purchase passed unanimously.
Also on the agenda was $75,000 for design of a sports facility and revamping of land at Vet's park.
Councilman Tom Serra stated he was in favor, and felt sports were one of the most "important investments for the City."
Councilman Todd Berch said, " No disrespect to former administrations, but if you drive around and look at City parks they are an embarrassment, these improvements are long over due." The spending of $75,000 on the sports facility design passed unanimously.
The Council also voted unanimously to return $224,000 of state reimbursed money to the BOE side of the budget from the City side. Superintendent Dr. Pat Charles was in the audience and spoke in favor of the transfer.
The Council voted in favor of a deal to purchase solar panels from Greenskies Renewable Energy Industries, owned by Robert Landino, for installation on the roof of the city opened factory Remington Rand. The Council voted to waive the competitive bid process. Greenskies leases space for storage in Remington Rand.
Sandra Russo-Driska, Middletown's Town
Clerk will be retiring Friday June 21, 2013. From the all of us at the Middletown Insider, we wish her a a Happy& Prosperous Retirement! A public coffee hour in her honor is being held at City Hall from 9-11 am Friday.
