The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Candidates release campaign filings
5 Dems vying for party’s nod; GOP candidate is former mayor
Middletown— The city’s publicworks headmay lead the field of Democratic mayoral candidates vying for their party’s nomination by more than $30,000, but several of his opponents say money isn’t necessarily a factor inwho wins or loses.
There are five Democrats and one Republican running for the city’s top job, which will be vacatedby eightyear incumbentMayor Dan Drew, who is not seeking a fourth term in office. Drew was first elected in 2011.
The length of the mayor’s and council’s term was increased in 2015 from two years to four.
He joins Democrats: activistValekaClarke, Parking Director Geen Thazhampallath, CouncilwomanMary Bartolotta, U.S. Sen. ChrisMurphy aideBen Florsheim and PublicWorks head Bill Russo, all vying for their party’s nomination.
Candidateswho don’t receive the nomination can still petition to be on the ballot during the primary Aug. 10 as long as they obtain signatures from approximately 650 registered Democratic residents. The next filing date is Oct. 10.
Through Wednesday, the first of two deadlines for municipal candidates to report their finances, Russo raised $48,570, with $38,629 remaining in his account. He’sworked for the city in various capacities for 35 years and feels very confident in his campaign.
Russo received several $1,000 donations from individuals, including both Councilman Gerry Daley and Diane Daley, Jukonski Truck Sales owner Richard Jukonski,
former mayorMariaMadsen Holzberg, Carabetta Bros. executive Salvatore Carabetta and Custom Carpets owner AlbertHamrah.
“I think, since 2004, they recognize what we’ ve built, our upgrades to parks. When I’mknocking on doors, many, many individuals see a value for their tax dollars,” Russo said.
He’s also received a number of compliments about recent upgrades to parks and other facilities, such as the playscapes at Butternut Park and FarmHill School, Pat Kidney and Palmer fields, and most recently, the renovations atVeterans Green off Washington Street / Route
66.
“People are buying into the campaign, and it’s been very positive. It’s great to hear, because me knocking on doors is a report card for what I’ve been doing since 2004, along with public works and parks sincewe’ve consolidated, and infrastructure and events,” Russo said.
His department had a hand in the recent fireworks festival, which drewbetween 12,000 and 15,000 people, as well as the hugely successful Middletown Pride event June
15.
“I’mnot going to pull off the pedal. I’llwork right until Sept. 10,” Russo said.
Meanwhile, Valeka Clarke, who is not soliciting money, has been paying for her campaign out of pocket. She did receive business cards with thewords, “I will be the fresh face and voice of the people. I am a humanitarian,” donated by an anonymous person, and some red andwhite Tshirtswhich advertise her candidacy.
Those running for office are only required to file their finances with the State Elections Enforcement Commission if their donations, including those inkind, exceed $1,000, according to the town clerk.
“I’mnot accepting anything. I’mrunning a very clean election. Money is not going to win you an election. I’mlooking to be everybody’s voice— not to takemoney out of anybody’s bank account.
“I’mnot going to ask for anything I don’t need,” said Clark, who has found it overwhelming at timeswhen she gets emails from supporters, in addition to some people sending her their resumes, hoping to help her campaign.
“‘Wewant positive change. We need this,’ individuals are telling her. “I thought thatwas amazing. I’mlooked at as inspirational and motivational for people to get into politics. This is a very huge deal,” said Clarke, who calls herself relatable, laid back and down to earth. “I’mnot a politician, which is refreshing for a lot of people.”
Instead of actively campaigning, she has been riding the city bus since December, spending timewith people and listening to their concerns, many ofwhich align with her platform.
“When you say equality and social justice, it’s broad to a lot of peoplewho can identify with being disparaged or marginalized,” Clarke said.
Thazhampallath, whowas chief of staff for the city’s threeterm Republican mayor, and has led the parking office for the past eight years, reported $12,530 in funding, with $8,835 remaining.
“I knewgoing in that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with all the folks out there, but it’s almost $13,000, and in a fourway race, I think that’s pretty good,” he said.
His largest donationswere $500 from GE engineer George Sheena andNew York speech language therapist Anita Thannocual.
“It’s also indicative of widespread support from all parts ofmy life, and that I’m proud of. I appreciate every dollar— whether it’s $5 or $500,” explained Thazhampallath, who isn’t focusing on howlarge each donation is.
“It is one barometer, but I don’t think it should be the sole barometer of our strength. My momentum is just growing,” he said.
He’s seen contributions from people family, friends and those of allwalks of life and segments of society.
“That level of confidence keeps me going. That shows you howmuch they believe in me, and I believe in our town, and believe inwhat we’re trying to accomplish here,” Thazhampallath said.
Supporters have been telling him they need a moderate voice in the mayor’s office, “a voice to meet us in the middle in this race.”
Florsheim raised $18,112, with $12,972 remaining in his fund balance.
He received several $1,000 donations from members of his family, such as artist Jennifer Florsheim, John Florsheim, operator of the Weyco Group ofMilwaukee; Thomas Florsheim Jr., an executive ofWeyco; and University ofWisconsin Milwaukee professor Paul Florsheim.
Florsheim said he is humbled by an outpouring of support he’s received in the first month of his candidacy.
“Ourswas never going to be the bigmoney campaign, especially sincewe pledged to decline contributions from lobbyists and city contractors. But aswe’ve seen time and time again: Big money doesn’t win local elections. People do,” he said in a prepared statement.
Florsheim is grateful for the donations from a wide array of family, friends and progressive leaders across the country, aswell as elected officials in Connecticut.
“What makes me proudest is that the plurality of our donorswere people right here inMiddletown, giving $5, $10, or $25— because they believe, like I do, that our city has a bright future ifwe’re ready towork to make it so,” he said in the release.
Ahead of the Democratic convention nextweek, “I couldn’t be more optimistic about the direction this campaign is taking.”
Common CouncilMajority LeaderMary Bartolotta, the first to announce her bid for the city’s top position, reported $18,247 in donations, with $9,191 in cash reserves. The twodecade city resident has been representing residents on the council for more than seven years.
Her largest donor of this periodwas CharlesMarano, owner ofUntouchable Towing, who gave $500.
“The campaign trail, doors and meet and greets have been very positive. I’ve received great support, and am very proud to have earned an endorsement from the Building Trades Council,” Bartolotta said. “I’ve also enjoyed being able to speak with voters aboutwhat issues matter most to them and it is clear that peoplewant change.
“They are tired of the lawsuits, and tired of politics as usual, but are encouraged about awoman running for mayor and the potential for a better future for allMiddletown residents,” said the candidate, who added her donations come from “everyday people.”
Bartolotta, who grewup in a family of “minimal means,” isn’t always comfortable asking for funds, “but fundraising is part of running for office. The folks, who have donated to me believe, like I do, that our city needs change.”
Republican Common Councilman andMinority Leader SebastianN. Giuliano , who led the city from 2005 until 2011 as mayor, when he lost to Drew, has been on the council since 2013, serving two terms: six years in total. He is the only GOP candidate.
He has not held a fundraiser nor is soliciting donations. The $19,935 he has garnered from 24 individuals between June 17 to 30was given to his campaign by peoplewho have sought him out over that twoweek period, Giuliano said.
He received several $1,000 donations from individuals such as chiropractor Gary Rogiers, attorney Sebastian Scalora and Florence Giuliano.
“Whenever I’mout and about, invariably somebody comes up to me and says, ‘I’mso glad you’re running again. What can I do to help?’
“I guess you could characterize these as excited people.”
Meanwhile, Giuliano said he’s interested in seeing how the Democratic primary goes.
“They’re going to come up with amayoral candidate. Themore interesting thing is what are they going to do about a council slate.”
WesleyanUniversity is hosting the Democratic Town Committee mayoral forum Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Exley Science Center, 265 Church St., Room 121.
The Republican Town Committee caucus will take place July 16 at 7 p.m. at the South Fire District at 445 Randolph Road, while the Democratic Town Committee membership will meet July 18 at 7 p.m. at CityHall Council Chambers, 245 deKoven Drive.