Courtesy of Art Gerckens
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Mayor Anita Dugatto, and Second Ward Alderman Art Gerckens at a recent campaign fundraiser at Bad Sons Beer Co. in Derby.
Democratic candidate Anita Dugatto received the endorsement of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro as Dugatto seeks her third term to lead the city of Derby as Mayor.
DeLauro credited Dugatto’s forward-thinking approach and passion for those she serves as a catalyst to the progress that is happening under her leadership.
“Over the past four years, Mayor Dugatto has done an outstanding job modernizing the way the City of Derby does business,” DeLauro said. “Under Mayor Dugatto’s leadership schools are improving, unemployment has dropped, and new businesses are opening. Mayor Dugatto cares deeply about the city of Derby and is working each and every day for the future growth of Derby. Join me in supporting Mayor Anita Dugatto on Tuesday, November 7th.”
When Dugatto was first elected Mayor in 2013, she inherited many challenges:
A failing sewage treatment system with pending notices of violation from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and no allocated capital funds for repair.
A myriad of lawsuits including a $4 million long overdue EPA bill for the cleanup of O’Sullivan’s Island, damage to a privately-owned crane that was improperly moved under the city’s direction, and a claim of lost business value by a property owner in Derby’s redevelopment zone.
A parcel of redevelopment property behind BJ’s Wholesale Club that was represented as turn-key but was actually bound by title issues and was void of required pre-development approvals and permits.
Rather than spending time assigning blame for the problems, Dugatto rolled up her sleeves and got to work finding solutions.
“Growing up in Derby, I was always taught to refrain from pointing fingers and confront problems head on. As Mayor, this means making decisions that may draw short-term criticism, but are in the best long-term interest of our city. Irresponsible promises about overnight solutions is the kind of thinking that has gotten our state into trouble. We should not replicate this behavior on the local level,” Dugatto said.
Dugatto set out by taking inventory of the issues stunting the city’s growth and devised a plan to tackle them one by one. The plan her administration implemented is in progress, and although there is certainly more work to be done, her patience and due diligence are paying off.
A community-driven, comprehensive master plan for downtown Derby was created with a grant her administration secured so Derby would have a clear direction for desired development that reflects site conditions and market demands. The effort earned a $5 million grant from the State of Connecticut to begin implementation.
Derby’s long-neglected sewage treatment system is well on its way to regulatory compliance and repair with two new pump stations now operational.
A partnership has been initiated with Housatonic Community College to establish Derby as a training center for advanced manufacturing which will better prepare Derby’s youth for in-demand jobs.
New businesses are moving to Derby and existing businesses are improving and expanding. The commercial activity along Roosevelt Drive, Pershing Drive, and New Haven Avenue is evidence of this positive momentum.
“Derby’s future is brighter than ever. With your support on November 7, we will ensure the continuation of the sure and steady progress we are making to move Derby forward consistent with the vision of it’s residents,” Dugatto said.
