Valley United Way Elects New Officers

 Newly Elected VUW Chairman Michael Gnibus 

SHELTON - Despite Valley United Way not being able to hold its planned public Annual Meeting on April 30, its Board recently elected new officers to serve until its next Annual Meeting and thanked a number of long-time directors whose terms have ended.

Members whose terms have ended include Jimmy Tickey, who served as Board Vice Chair; Jennifer Bull, CPA, (PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP); Peter Dagostine (First Group America); Michael Duncan (Edgewell Personal Care); Fred Ortoli (Ortoli Photography); Ramon Peralta (Peralta Design) and Janice Sheehy (Webster Bank).

On his departure, Tickey remarked, “The Valley United Way has made a real difference for people in our community. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board for 10 years and lead our community campaign for 3 of those years - working to raise substantial funds to support the programs and agencies that thousands of families rely on in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  I know the Valley United Way will continue to focus on preparing youth to succeed, strengthening families, and helping people in crisis."

David Kennedy, Interim President and COO, commented, “Valley United Way has been gifted with decades of exceptional service from these Directors.  It was very hard to say “thanks” to them in a non-public forum for their care for the Valley through United Way. However, we look forward to doing that at our rescheduled Annual Meeting, whenever that will be.”

At its April 22 board meeting, directors elected the following officers for terms ending at the next Annual Meeting:  Chair, Michael Gnibus (Armstrong Teasdale); Vice Chair, Karen Stockla (Prudential Financial); Secretary, Dominick Thomas, Esq. (Cohen & Thomas) and Treasurer, Gregory DeStefano, CPA (Cherubino & Company, PC).

Gnibus is an intellectual property attorney and partner in the New York office of the St. Louis based law firm of Armstrong Teasdale. Before working there, he spent 10 years at the General Electric office in Shelton where he led the GE United Way campaign and multiple service projects that were run through VUW. He has served on the Valley United Way Board for ten years and has provided leadership support to the United Way’s Youth Leadership program.

“It is with mixed emotions that I acknowledge the United Way’s departing Board members,” Gnibus remarked.  “On behalf of Valley United Way I want to thank the departing Board members for their many years of service. We are grateful for their collective, tireless commitment to ensuring that Valley United Way’s support aligned with and met the evolving needs of area residents.  Although they will not be active on the Board going forward, I am pleased to let you know that many of the departing Board members have committed to remaining active by supporting our committees. I am looking forward to leading our dedicated Board, and continuing to evolve the organization to ensure that we maximize Valley United Way’s positive impact on the community.”

Board members continuing to give leadership to Valley United Way include Patrick Charmel (Griffin Hospital); Joy DeMarchis (DeMarchis Family Holdings);  Brian Diehl (Pitney Bowes); Jill Johnson (Iroquois Pipeline); John McFarland (Hubbell Incorporated); Mary Ann Miskowicz (Better Packages); Bill Purcell (Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce); Jeffrey Tracey (Mutual Security Credit Union) and Michael Wilson (Seymour Public Schools).

As a leading philanthropic organization in Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration. For more information about the organization, visit its website at www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Fundraiser for Phil Tripp

ANSONIA - A fundraising event for Mayoral Candidate Phil Tripp will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Central Subalpi Club, 30 Parker St.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will be on hand. 

A suggested donation of $50 will be payable at the door. There will be a selection of hors d’oeuvres and Italian eats, made by one of our Ansonia resident’s local restaurants. Assorted soft drinks and a cash bar will also be available.

Tripp has dedicated his life to this country, serving 34 years between the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and National Guard and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Locally, he has tirelessly continued his service to the community by fulfilling his duty as an alderman over the last eight years. 

Still, he is looking to do more for the residents of Ansonia. Tripp was humbled by his nomination and is enthusiastic to roll up his sleeves and get to work on behalf of Ansonia as their mayoral candidate. 

“The people of Ansonia deserve honest leadership dedicated to fiscal responsibility, clean government and authentic economic development," Tripp said.

If unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the campaign by reaching out to us at Trippforansonia@gmail.com.

(this is a press release from Tripp's campaign)

Derby RTC Endorses Candidates

Sen. Logan

DERBY – The Derby Republican Town Committee gathered on September 5, 2018 to fully endorse the candidates representing the towns and cities of Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Hamden, Woodbridge and Orange.

Attorney Joseph Jaumann is seeking election to the 104th District.  Joe joins Senator George Logan, House Republican Leader Themis Klarides  and State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria all seeking re-election this November.

Jaumann

 “Joe Jaumann’s election in the 104th and the re-election of this team will represent a clean sweep for Republicans in the Valley and renewed hope for our residents. We are proud to support this slate who will continue to fight for our taxpayers in Hartford, putting the hard working families of Connecticut at the forefront by supporting the legislative policies needed to turn our state around” stated Derby Republican Town Committee Chairman Sam Pollastro.



State Reps. Themis Klarides and Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Jaumann Receives Endorsement from State's Independent Party

ANSONIA - Joe Jaumann has received the unanimous endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut, which will place him on both the Republican and Independent lines for the November election.

 

"It's an honor to receive the backing of the Independent Party of Connecticut in my run for State Representative," said Jaumann. "I received the backing of the Independent Party and the Republican Party because I am not beholden to a single party, or any special interest groups. If

we are going to change the state of Connecticut, we need to elected officials who are not afraid to think outside of the box, listen to all sides, and work towards common sense solutions, while putting the taxpayers of Connecticut first."

 

Jaumann continued, "The residents of the 104th district deserve someone who will place the needs of the residents of Ansonia and Derby ahead of any party agenda. As an Alderman, I took the lead pushing for our communities in the 104th district to study Regionalization and shared services so we can find ways to become more efficient while at the same time trying to

increase quality. These are types of ideas transcend parties’ lines and I am very proud to have

been at the forefront of it.”

 

Jaumann is an attorney and small business owner who lives in the 104th district with his wife

Crystal, and four children, the eldest of whom is currently serving proudly overseas in the United

States Marine Corp. He currently serves as an Alderman in Ansonia’s 5th Ward. 

 

(This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign) 

Ansonia Board of Education Member Says Facts Being Misrepresented

(The following is a letter from Ansonia Board of Education Member Vinnie Scarlata who is seeking re-election the board , as well as running as a petitioning candidate for the Board of Aldermen, 7th Ward):

It’s unfortunate that an administration desperate to stay in office is irresponsible enough to misrepresent figures to try crediting themselves unduly! Recent articles talk about $40,125 unspent by the BOE, proving that through its benevolence this administration has actually overfunded education and these unspent funds of $40,125 are proof! The person chosen to pitch this notion is running for a seat on the BOE and should have been the one person responsible enough to have at least asked the BOE the one question, “WHY”!!! Instead she became another pawn for Team Cassetti.

I posed this question to our BOE Business Manager and here is the truth of this matter! The following is copied from her email to me:
 

 

I am providing this information with regards to the BOE not expending 100% of the funds allocated during the 2016-17 school year.
 

The BOE has several factors which impacted spending during the 2016-2017 year:
 

- I will start with the resignation of the Business Manager and a permanent placement not being

appointed for several months. This means that budgeted salary and health care cost for a family

were not being incurred.
 

- The district realized significant savings in health care cost by changing to a HDHP. (High

Deductible Health Plan)
 

- The City transferred Excess Cost funds to the BOE to cover the increased cost of Special

Education services. This is significant because in the past the BOE was absorbing these rising cost

within their existing budget.
 

- The City transferred in-kind expenses for LAP insurance to the BOE, this was not budgeted for

by the BOE originally,
 

- The last winter was mild and very warm, this combination resulted in savings for fuel heating and

OT for custodians.
 

The net result of all the above resulted in the BOE not expending 100% of its allocated budgeted. Each of these accounts had a positive balance on June 30th 2017. These balances were used to off-set accounts that had negatives balances, they include tuition, transportation, purchased services, liability insurance and supplies. I did not use numbers above in an effort to keep it simple, but heat energy alone had an unexpended balance of $46,803. 
 

Once the audit is final and adjustments are made I will provide an updated year-end report to all BOE members that show expenditures by object and the final figures expended and unexpended for the 2016-17 year. Currently, I do not have the back up to support the $40,125 figure that was referenced in the VIS, I was told that the number is from the audit (I cannot confirm this number).
 

I have not received any communication from the auditor lately, so I cannot confirm that the figures are final (I have not been given a final figure for BOE). Additionally, I have not been apprised of any changes/adjustments resulting from the audit being completed that would change numbers I currently have.
 

So, Ansonia, there a lot of fluid parts to any BOE. A statement made referencing 3 lines in a budget document represents little if any relevance to the overall budget of education. One thing that is glaring, though, is where did Team Cassetti get its information from in the first place since the BOE has yet to receive its final audit figures?
 

 

Vincent Scarlata

Member Ansonia BOE

Derby Mayoral Candidate Richard Dziekan Appeals to Voters

(The following is a letter from Derby Republican Mayoral Candidate Richard Dziekan)


Now that the dust has settled from the Derby mayoral debate, I’d like to make my final public statement to the voters before next Tuesday’s election.

I first announced my intent to run for Mayor earlier this year on March 22^nd. For the past 7+ months, I have attended meetings, gone to public events, and most importantly, visited almost 3,000 Derby residents at their homes. I have lost almost 30 pounds due to these efforts and the stresses associated with running a campaign. In addition, my team has volunteered countless hours of time to gathering information, meeting with residents, and doing the necessary legwork. 

I’m proud that we have run a fact-based, grass roots campaign with nothing but Derby people at the core of the effort. At the end of the day, I know that Mayor Dugatto and the Democrats have Derby’s best interest in mind as much as the Republicans and I do. She has had four years to improve the quality of life for Derby residents, and now I think it’s my turn to lead us in the right direction.

I want to ensure Derby voters that I have a specific plan for economic development and it is multi-faceted with a lot of moving parts. I can tell you that the first thing I will do is get the city’s residential real estate holdings back onto the tax rolls. As a city, we should not be in the real estate business any more than we should be in the development business.

 

Our job in city hall is to assess and remediate properties so they are as attractive as possible to investors and developers, not to sit on 15+ properties and come up with a specific plan for each one. I understand we made calculated decisions to purchase some properties downtown in preparation for execution of a plan, but it is now time to move forward with not only the downtown project, but also get things moving in other stagnant areas.

I will work with surrounding municipalities, the State of Connecticut, and the federal government to secure all available funds and resources. I will consolidate services and combine efforts with anyone and everyone that will help to alleviate the tax burden for the citizens of Derby.

I will bring in a full-time professional staff and hold them accountable to the city. They will give a championship effort in moving Derby forward and they will bring results, not hypothetical plans and promises. I myself will focus on leading everyone in the city and getting maximum productivity out of each department. Being the Mayor of Derby will be both an honor and a complete lifestyle for me. It will be a 24/7 identity.

I want to be your Mayor and those who have pledged their support to me believe that I’m the right person to lead Derby into the future. I will conclude with a quote:

“Without action, the best intentions in the world are nothing more than that: intentions.”

 

Mayor Dugatto has no doubt had the best of intentions for our city, but unfortunately she has lacked the foresight and ability to make her plans a reality. I hope I can count on your vote on November 7^th.

Meet the Ansonia Candidates Oct. 25

Ansonia DTC to Host Pre-Election Pizza Party Fundraiser

WHAT:                             The Ansonia Democratic Town Committee (ADTC) presents their pre-election fundraiser supporting this year’s slated candidates.

WHERE:                          Rosa Mina Pizzeria – 384 East Main Street, Ansonia

WHEN:                             Saturday, October 21 – 5:00pm to 7:00pm

 Join ADTC for a "Pre-Election Pizza Party" annual fundraiser to support Ansonia Dems' slated candidates running in this November's municipal election. We are also expecting attendance from multiple Democratic candidates who are running for Governor as well, including new candidate Dita Bhargava (learn more about her by clicking here). Meet the candidates, and enjoy locally made food!

Cost is $30.00 per person, and includes unlimited pizza, tossed salad, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Children 10 and under are free. Cash bar will also be available.

Please remit your personal check, payable to "ADTC", along with SEEC Form P (which you can find here) to:

Jo Lynn Flaherty

28 Pinecrest Avenue

Ansonia, CT 06401

 
Payments and forms can also be submitted upon arrival at the event. If unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the campaign by clicking here. Mayoral candidate, Tarek Raslan, and all Democratic candidates are working tirelessly to ensure success on Election Day... ADTC is counting on you!

Please contact Jo-Lynn Flaherty with any questions about the event at (203) 982-3419

*Paid for by Ansonia Democratic Town Committee, James Hubbard, Treasurer

(This is a press release from the Ansonia DTC)

Derby Mayoral Candidate Dziekan Lands Union Endorsement

 

 

DERBY- At a membership meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20, Rich Dziekan addressed the Teamsters Local 1150, (the International Brotherhood of Teamsters) for Sikorsky employees.

He concluded his speech by saying: “As a veteran I want to thank you again for the opportunity to come here and speak to you today. When I get elected in Derby, I hope to provide for the city what this local 1150 and Sikorsky has been able to provide for the state of Connecticut: Stability, Jobs, and a blue-collar mentality that any municipality would be lucky to build its foundation upon.”

Members at the meeting unanimously endorsed Rich Dziekan. Rich went on to thank Secretary Treasurer and Principal Officer Rocco Calo, the entire Executive Board and its members of the Local 1150 for their continued support.

(This is a press release from Dziekan's campaign)

Fusco Gives Thumbs Up to Derby Mayor Duggato

(The following is a letter from Linda Fusco)

My name is Linda Fusco and I am the Chair of the Derby Democratic Town Committee. While many people will tell you that primaries are bad for the party, I think they are an important part of the democratic process. This year, the primary between Mayor Anita Dugatto and Board of Aldermen President Carmen DiCenso was an opportunity for the Democrats in Derby to make their voice heard about who they want representing them in November.

Mayor Dugatto

The people chose Mayor Anita Dugatto.  But it is the qualities of both Democratic candidates that raise the bar for public servants. 

Mayor Dugatto and Mr. DiCenso are distinguished Democrats and community leaders who were  both born and raised in Derby.  Their strong work ethic empowered them to excel in their professional and political lives.  They were driven to public service by their intense passion to see Derby prosper. This passion, however, is not exclusive to them.  It is apparent throughout the community as evidenced by the level of public engagement leading up to and including primary day.

Going forward we need to maintain our enthusiasm as Democrats and remind ourselves of what it means to be a Democrat in Derby.   We must show the people of this city that it is us who will fight for them in City Hall.

Please join me in supporting Mayor Anita Dugatto on November 7th.

Dugatto Thanks Derby Voters

(The following is a letter to Derby citizens from Mayor Anita Dugatto)

 Derby is Stronger Together

DERBY - Thank you to all the voters who took time out of their busy lives on September 12 to vote in Derby’s Democratic Primary for Mayor.  

 

I am honored and humbled to have received the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Derby with my victory on September 12.  I couldn’t have done it without the support and confidence of countless volunteers and community members. I am deeply grateful for their efforts.

 

Turnout was strong.  I think this was due, in large part, to the interest our residents have in the

success of our city.  Over the past four years, we have worked hard to engage our citizens, to let them know they truly have a voice in their community and that their opinions matter. September 12 was a demonstration that our message was heard loud and clear.

 

When I was a child, my father worked at Derby’s Hull Dye and my mother stayed at home caring for me and my seven siblings while trying to make ends meet.  My parents, my neighbors, and many others showed me at a young age what a hard day of work looks like.  While the livelihoods of Derby’s residents may have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t - their strong work ethic. I believe in this city because I know that, if given the opportunity, each and every Derby resident has the drive and ability to succeed. That is why it’s so important to ensure that we are providing opportunities in our community for our residents to thrive.
 

Rather than looking for differences in each other - whether it be our ancestry, our political affiliation, or our income - we need to unite as people who are proud to call Derby home and who are working together to move us forward.
 

As the primary campaign season progressed, one thing became more and more apparent to me:  Mr. DiCenso and I are more alike than we are different.  We share the same level of passion for the community we grew up in - our knowledge of the challenges and our ideas for the solutions are, in fact, quite complimentary.  This shared perspective is an inherent strength.
 

Tremendous progress is being made in Derby.  When I look around our city, I see more businesses opening here, I see better parks, better roads, and better schools. These accomplishments were the result of dedication, collaboration, and a shared interest in the common good by members of Derby’s diverse community.  That diversity is important to ensure all citizens are represented.  

I humbly ask for your support again on November 7. Together we control the progress of Derby.  We will show that a shared vision for our community will prevail.