Note: The Valley Indy asked Ansonia Alderman John Marini Thursday for information about a meeting Republicans had this week with Ansonia outgoing Mayor James Della Volpe.
Dave has assembled a transition team to pave the way for his new administration.
Dave’s team consists of me; Bill Nimons (Board of Education member); Vinnie Scarlata (Economic Development Commission and Board of Education); Dave Blackwell, Phil Tripp and Lorie Vaccaro (aldermen).
Dave and his transition team had a first meeting with Mayor Della Volpe and Corporation Counsel Kevin Blake this past Tuesday morning.
We assembled in the Mayor’s office for an in-depth discussion that covered a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, city finances, the state of economic development, and the future of Olson Drive.
This first meeting clarified the magnitude of the challenges facing the new Cassetti administration.
We learned for the first time that private developer Washington Management’s plan to redevelop two downtown properties formerly owned by Farrel Corporation has stalled.
Additionally, we discovered that the Farrel Corporation itself is contemplating leaving the city when its lease expires in 2015. These obstacles are in addition to the obvious: a climbing tax rate in desperate need of stabilization.
Dave and his team are incredibly eager to tackle the challenges facing Ansonia. The transition process will continue with an intensive series of meetings between Dave’s team and the heads of various city departments, boards and commissions. The goal is to develop and understanding of the city that will allow the new administration to hit the ground running when Dave takes office in December.
Dave is also looking to expand his team by appointing fresh faces to fill vacancies on city boards and commissions. Residents with an interest in volunteering their time and talents to the City of Ansonia should send a description of their interests and resume to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
An inaugural committee has also been formed to coordinate the swearing-in ceremony for the Mayor-Elect and Board of Aldermen.
An announcement of the location, time and date will be made shortly.
The author is a member of the Board of Aldermen and the chairman of the Ansonia Town Republican Committee.
