The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Faienza to seek 3rd term
He would focus on development
CROMWELL >> Saying there is still more work to be done, Enzo Faienza has announced he will seek a third term as mayor.
Faienza announced his plans on Friday, saying he retains a passion for the town and its residents. He is seeking another term “because I love this town and because we have had tremendous accomplishments in the last four years.”
Faienza, 43, the owner/operator of his family-owned tile company in Hartford, is the town’s first mayor. He chaired the charter revision commission that proposed changing the town’s form of government from a first select-
man to a manager/mayor.
As he laid out his reasons for running again, Faienza, who is a Republican, placed economic development at the top of the list. He said economic development “is something I have spearheaded,” adding he was instrumental in creating the monthly visits town councilors make to local businesses. In particular, Faienza is pressing for development of the rear of the Northern Tier, the property that sits between the west side of Shunpike Road/ Route 3 and Interstate 91.
“We’ve gotten the (interior) road widened to town standards and now we’re seeking another grant to enable us to widen the intersection” where Country Line Road intersects with Shunpike Road. The town has completed the acquisition of a parcel of land from Sysco Corp., the wholesale food supplier that is located on the Rocky Hill border to help facilitate that effort, Faienza said.
“I hope to be around to see that back 20-plus acres developed into a thriving commercial enterprise,” Faienza said.
Turning to other topics, Faienza said he is looking forward to continue working with the Board of Education and newly appointed Superintendent of Schools John Maloney to maintain what the mayor said is “a quality school system.” He is also looking for ways to work together with the Cromwell Fire District on joint projects that could save taxpayers money.
Faienza thanked residents for approving the 2017-18 budget during last week’s referendum and he complimented both Town Manager Anthony J. Salvatore and Director of Finance Marianne Sylvester and her staff for their work on preparing the budget. “I love working with the town manager and all the rest of the department heads,” Faienza added.
Returning his attention to those that live in town, Faienza said, “I love the residents and the businesses that make Cromwell such a wonderful place to live and work.”
Faienza lives in town with his wife Kate and his daughter, Adrianna. “I could not do this job without the support of my family,” he said, noting his wife and daughter “have to deal all the meetings and the time away from them.”
And yet, “As long as I can and I still have the passion in my heart, I want to stick around and continue to do this job,” Faienza said. “I’ve always told myself that as long as I have that passion to stay with it,” he continued. “And the love for this town and the people in it and the desire and passion are still there, so ... that’s why I’m running again,” Faienza said.
While there have been rumors and speculation of this or that possible challenger, no one else has stepped forward to announce a candidacy for the ceremonial post.