Learn how the DTC makes a difference

The recent mayoral candidate forum and upcoming Democratic municipal convention has stirred up a great deal of negative discourse in Middletown. In spite of that, the forum on July 13 was standing room only, and was not made up by a majority of Democratic Town Committee members or Wesleyan students as some have suggested, but rather residents who plan to vote in the Democratic primary.

As a member of the DTC, and as someone who interviewed with the nominating committee that proposed a slate to be considered at this week’s meeting, I am confident this process was done transparently, professionally and fairly. The criticism these volunteers have received is completely unwarranted.

In the runup to the forum, the Middletown Press ran a release with many dramatic claims from Mr. (William) Russo (public works director and mayoral candidate) about how the DTC Nominating Committee arrived at its decision and whether or not it was fair and transparent. As a result, Mr. Russo decided not to participate and has said he will not participate in any forums held between now and Primary day — undercutting his claim in the paper that this was about fairness and transparency.

Unrelated, Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta also did not attend the forum. I don’t know why she chose not to attend. Moving forward I hope she will continue to find ways to engage the community, be a mentor and support the town committee on issues she believes in.

And because no leader can do it alone I am hopeful the many passionate Middletown residents that supported her will support the Democratic slate in the primary. I am sure Councilwoman Bartolotta and many of her supporters reject the tenor and tone some have taken to criticize the nominating committee and their dedication to conducting a fair and deliberate process. The fact is many of her supporters are dedicated community members and advocates, and without them we may not have elected Rep. Quentin Phipps, state Sens. Matt Lesser and Mary Abrams, and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz last November. To date, this is the best piece of evidence I can offer to validate the influence and impact of the current DTC. And it didn’t come from back room dealmaking or dirty money, it came from dedication, focus, and hard work speaking to tens of thousands of Middletown residents last summer and fall.

As to Mr. Russo, I am not quite certain what drives this current frustration. I can only assume that when so few people give so much money it can create a great deal of pressure and expectations. I spoke with Mr. Russo for the first time shortly after he declared. In that conversation we talked about my hopes for the town and some of his personal history. We also spoke about his plan to participate with the DTC in this process, as well as his own experience in being a member of the DTC in the past.

Most recently, I spoke with Mr. Russo at One Macdonough Place, where the nominating committee held interviews. I had just finished my interview and he was waiting for his. We recalled our first conversation, specifically the difference a new park could make to West Lake.

We were both wearing suits. I hate wearing a suit on hot days. I remember thinking he looked nervous — excited, but nervous. I also remember thinking that it is something tough but special, this thing called politics, that could bring together two men from different backgrounds and at different chapters of their lives to run for public office for the first time.

If you would like to learn more about how the DTC has a real impact on our town, region, and state, please come by City Hall every third Thursday at 7 p.m. to learn more. We encourage participation and are a diverse and honest group of people that genuinely want to help shape a better community. Kellin Atherton is a millennial father of three and DTC member from Middletown.