Businessman and ex-boxer David Cassetti took the oath of office to be Ansonia’s new mayor Monday night feet away from the spot on the stage of the high school’s auditorium he sat thirty-nine days earlier while debating seven-term incumbent James Della Volpe for the city’s top job.
A lot has changed since.
Cassetti’s upset of Della Volpe last month — which came with a Republican takeover of the city’s Board of Aldermen, which swung from a 10 – 4 Democratic majority to a 9 – 5 GOP advantage — was the political shock of the year in the Valley, and the culmination of a hard-fought campaign.
But Cassetti wished Della Volpe well during his post-inaugural remarks Monday, saying he acted “with the utmost integrity” to provide a smooth transition.
The new mayor then thanked all those who voted in last month’s election, and then made a promise to all of the city’s residents, whether they cast ballots or not.
“I will work tirelessly to earn and keep your trust. I will put the interest of the common good far above party affiliation and ideology, and I will do all in my power to give our city the fresh start it deserves,” Cassetti said.
Fresh starts were the theme of Cassetti’s address.
He said his grandparents got one 93 years ago on Ansonia’s Central Street after immigrating there from Sicily.
“I stand before you tonight because my grandparents conquered their fears and dared to reach out for a better life, a fresh start,” he said. “That’s the story of a great many of us assembled tonight.”
He said the city must embark on a similar quest, and though the stakes are different, they’re still critical.
“Just consider some of the new realities we face: the days when our economy could depend on manufacturing giants Ansonia Copper and Brass are long gone,” Cassetti said. “The time when cities and towns could exist self-sufficiently as islands unto themselves is over. And no longer can government afford to ignore the technological innovations of the private sector without becoming obsolete.”
Another problem facing the city — school funding.
Superintendent Carol Merlone highlighted that fact during remarks during Monday’s ceremony, which she began by congratulating Cassetti and the elected officials being sworn in.
“If school systems are being held accountable to close the achievement gap and to prepare our students to compete in a global world, it is imperative that all government leaders muster the courage and intensely commit to re-imaging funding to eradicate the lack of equity that exists across the United States,” Merlone said.
“In a world where a child drops out of school every nine seconds and bullying and teen suicide have become a disturbing epidemic, I am going to call on this new administration to join with me in doing everything within our power to keep our children safe and to make a positive change in the lives of our youth,” Merlone went on.
Cassetti said during his speech that compounding all the challenges facing the city “is a rising tax burden that has at times pitted us against each other, forcing a choice between higher taxes and a lower level of city services.”
He said solving the problem is “simply a matter of perspective.”
“We must approach each obstacle as as an opportunity to revitalize and reenergize our city,” he said. “We must see in our most heated debates the potential to unite our community through open and honest dialog. Above all, we need to recognize that even the most daunting trials are no match for our collective resolve.”
“It is therefore with the greatest confidence that I say to you Ansonia’s greatest moments are yet to come,” Cassetti said.
Asked after the ceremony how he felt, the new mayor said, “Good. I’m ready to move forward.”
Cassetti said he will be announcing his appointments to his City Hall staff Thursday, as well as a new “cost-cutting commission,” at the Board of Aldermen scheduled for Dec. 10.
Echoing his address, and a hard-nosed campaign during which he railed against rising property taxes, he said the biggest immediate challenge will be containing costs.
To that end, he said reforms to the city’s budget process — to make it more transparent and understandable for residents — will be unveiled at the Dec. 10 Board of Aldermen meeting.
Ceremony
Superior Court Judge Richard Arnold swore Cassetti in at Monday’s ceremony. Article continues after video of Cassetti taking the oath.
“Local elections of your city officials represents one of the purest forms of democracy that we continue to enjoy,” Judge Arnold said, adding later: “Where else can you actually meet your elected officials every day or call them on the phone and agree to meet for a cup of coffee to discuss your concerns?”
After being sworn in, Cassetti then swore in the city’s Aldermen, Board of Education members, Town and City Clerk Elizabeth Lynch, Treasurer Judy Larkin-Nicolari, and Sheriffs.
Fr. Jeffrey Gubbiotti of Assumption Church performed an invocation, and Pastor Samuel Levey of Church of God in Christ offered a benediction.
Cassetti’s daughters Lillian and Jennifer and his son, David Jr., led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem was performed by Aaron Minopoli and Jennifer Godfrey, members of Ansonia High School After School Chorus, which also performed a medley of songs during the ceremony.
The Ansonia Police Department Color Guard and Boy Scout Troop 105 led the procession of elected officials into the ceremony.
Republican Town Committee Chairman John Marini acted as master of ceremonies.
