Shane Mangado
In this week’s debate, Mr. Dziekan said that he will hire a team of professionals to advance the city.
Mayor Dugatto’s professional team has a strong record of accomplishments:
- Over 30 new businesses have opened in Derby
- The upgraded sewage treatment system now has two new operational pump stations
- Downtown development is becoming a reality through public and private investment
- City parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces have been cleaned up
- Millions of dollars in grants have come into Derby under Mayor Dugatto’s administration
Given his lack of experience, I couldn’t agree more that he would need the help of a professional team. However, who exactly are his “professionals”, and how much will they cost the taxpayers of Derby?
Will Mr. Dziekan retain Mayor Dugatto’s accomplished team that is on a path to growth? Or will he bring back the same group of “professionals” that failed Derby in the past?
Those professionals left a trail of costly issues – the same team that:
- Failed to administer the Sterling Opera House grant in accordance with federal guidelines, a mistake that cost the city $110,000
- Inhibited development of city land behind BJ’s by ignoring state and federal regulators, costing Derby an immediate opportunity for economic growth
- Ignored federal notices regarding the cleanup of O’Sullivan’s Island, nearly costing Derby $4 million
- Purchased the Barron Block property through improper allocation of funds, without a plan, at a price considerably higher than fair market value, and at a burdensome cost to neighbors and taxpayers
We are on a positive path for the first time in a very long time. We do not want to change direction, Mr. Dziekan. A change in direction will represent a giant step backward.
Please join me as I vote for Mayor Anita Dugatto on Tuesday, November 7.
The writer is a Derby resident.
Views expressed in letters to the editor and press releases do not necessarily reflect the views of ValleyIndy.org. The Valley Indy has a 550-word limit on letters to the editor.
