‘There’s a chance for change’

Diversity of political candidates expanding as more residents get involved

MIDDLETOWN — November’s political hopefuls, who represent the rich diversity of Middletown by virtue of their age, ethnicity, race, gender, as well as other features, are being welcomed by residents as refreshing, inspiring and empowering.

“The most critical thing for us is to feel and know that we have a voice at the table, and that we’re invited to the table: we don’t have to fight our way to the table,” said the Rev. Debra Hopkins, a lifelong resident and former president of the Middlesex County NAACP.

The AfricanAmerican community is focused on issues that include socioeconomic parity, job opportunities, the environment, and making sure youth have people they can admire in government.

“You have a voice in what goes on in your community. And you no longer can idly sit by and complain. This generation that’s running now — it takes away all our excuses. You don’t have an age barrier, you’re not going to have a color barrier. They’re slowly tearing it down,” Hopkins said.

Mayor Dan Drew, a Democrat, is not running for another term.

This election, the Republicans put forth their slate of candidates, unanimously supporting Common Council member, minority leader and former mayor

Sebastian N. Giuliano on the top of their ticket.

Democrats have a group of political hopefuls nominated by the town committee, with Common Councilwoman and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Bartolotta, as well as an alternative council and treasurer slate running with Public Works Director Bill Russo.

He will be vying for his party’s nomination on primary day Sept. 10, along with Parking Director Geen Thazhampallath, who both garnered enough signatures to force their names onto the ballot.

Activist Valeka Clarke and Wesleyan University grad Ben Florsheim, both running for the city’s top post, said Tuesday they are confident they’ll have enough signatures on their petitions by the Aug. 7 cutoff date to qualify for the primary.

Longtime Councilman Grady Faulker is encouraged young people of color can look to politicians who resemble them as role models.

“They see that in people like myself. They can actually see them, and see them in action, so eventually they can see themselves doing that. We try to encourage that as much as possible in our community,” he said.

“I’m hoping to have that translate into engagement and participation at a higher level. That’s what we need now,” Faulkner said.

As the years go on, Clarke said she’s become less cynical about running for office as a woman of color.

“Representation matters. There was a point in time where I didn’t feel it was that important, and only because I felt like what would change? I couldn’t see it,” she said.

“Now that I can visually see it, it’s a huge deal. Before it was a dream. Now it’s reality. There’s a chance for change where we no longer have to worry about someone reminding me that I’m black and I’m a woman — the double whammy,” Clarke said.

“I’m very happy to see citizens of color stepping up and getting into some roles,” Faulker said. “We have to deal with a learning curve, but that’s all right. Once they step up, there are supports for them.”

In 2017, when now Planning and Zoning Commissioner Tyrell Brown and Board of Education member Ed Ford Jr. were both elected at age 20, it drew attention because of their youth.

Florsheim, 27, said looking younger than his age sometimes evokes questions about his political experience.

Florsheim points to Michael Cubeta, who was 28 when elected mayor of Middletown, and state Sen. Matt Lesser, DMiddletown, who was 25 when he became a state representative for the 100th House District.

“It’s not necessarily something that’s a huge factor in a lot of people’s minds, but it is something that does occur to people when I’m talking to them,” said Florsheim, who joined the DTC when he was 19.

He has been met with people doubtful about his credentials, asking questions such as, “If you’re 27, what have you actually done? What can you bring to the table to balance out whatever positive perspective your youth might bring?”

Florsheim believes his concern over longterm consequences of decisions made at the governmental level is shared by his peers.

They’re looking for a place to settle down and have children, an area that offers quality education, a vibrant cultural scene, supports small businesses or a suitable place to retire down the road and the like, he said.

Faulker feels an obligation to help the younger generation.

“As an African American, I have to. We can’t just go to work and go home and put our feet up and watch TV. We’ve got a lot of work to do in the community that we can’t do ourselves, so it’s time to train our young people to be able to do things in the community,” he said.

“The fact that you are running, period. That does a lot for our community. A lot of people will see that and say, ‘Wow! That could be me,’” Faulkner said.

Sometimes it’s difficult, especially as a woman of color, not to be judged on those factors alone, Clarke said.

“I would say 75 percent would be up against you just because of the color of your skin and your gender. Every time I see a black woman that is going through it, I identify and I say, ‘Yes, I’m so happy that she’s not giving up,’ ” she said.

“It’s a happy feeling to say I’m willing to step out. And it’s a brave thing, too, because no one wants to be in the spotlight or remembered as, ‘Hey, I’m doing this because I’m a person of color or maybe I’m the first person of color to do this in my family,” Clarke said.

Hopkins’ interest in politics was piqued when a 15year black Common Council member asked for her support.

“I’ve always had a passion for justice and helping other people. But I don’t think it really connected to the involvement in local politics until John Robinson started to run,” she said.

“When he left, that’s when it triggered in my head that we really hadn’t prepared people to take that slot. We kind of left the younger generation out by not really having anyone in place to pass the mantel to,” Hopkins said.

In 2015, when Board of Education member Deborah Cain was elected from a slate that included other people of color such as Anita DempseyWhite, Hopkins said she became even more encouraged by local politics.

When Brown and Ford won their seats, for example, she came to understand the power of youth.

“They bring a lot of energy but their ability to grasp and understand the concepts I think is phenomenal” Hopkins said.

“They were quick studies. They got in there, they learned everything that they could learn. Today, with the internet, you can do your research so much faster than spending hours in the library,” she said.

Young people are looking to the future, and understand the import of actions which may have repercussions for decades.

“If I’m lucky, I will still be living in this city and dealing with the decisions that have been made this year 50 years from now,” Florsheim said, referring to his potential election.