Did you think the “wrong guy elected” saga in Derby was over?
Think again.
Joseph Coppola, Derby’s corporation counsel, sent a letter to the Democratic Town Committee chairman Dec. 28 saying he believes the election of James J. Butler for the Derby tax board violated state election law and the Derby charter.
Coppola requested that Derby Democratic chairman Sheila Parizo give him:
- The minutes or names of the Democratic committee members who voted in favor of nominating “James Butler”
- Any and all evidence that “James J. Butler” was nominated and voted as a candidate for the tax board
Click here for an extensive interview with Coppola about the controversy.
Background
James J. Butler was accidentally elected to the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation Nov. 8 due to an error by Derby Democrats that made its way onto the ballot.
The Democrats intended to nominate incumbent James R. Butler — James J. Butler’s father. But the name James J. Butler ended up on the ballot.
Derby Democrats followed the advice of lawyers from the state’s Secretary of State Office to resolve the snafu.
James J. Butler was sworn into office and resigned shortly thereafter. The Democrats then relied on the directions of the Derby Charter to fill the vacancy. The Democratic members of the Board of Aldermen held a caucus and — viola! — appointed James R. Butler, the man who actually ran for the office, to the tax board.
Democrats Comply …
Parizo, the Democratic chairman, said she is preparing to give Coppola the information he requested. Parizo said the paperwork will show that at their nominating convention, Derby Democrats nominated James Butler — no middle initial — for the tax board.
A copy of the minutes from the Derby Democratic nominating convention are posted at the end of the article.
The Democrats accidentally added the middle initial “J” to the certification of party endorsement, a document filed in the Derby City Hall.
… But They’re Not Happy
While she is providing the information requested, Parizo chastised Coppola and Republican Mayor Anthony Staffieri’s administration for refusing to move on from the election.
Parizo said the Republicans are lashing out because the Democrats won control of the Board of Aldermen and the tax board. The Democrats also hold a majority on the Derby Board of Education.
“(Mayor) Staffieri is used to having control and he doesn’t anymore. He’s reaching,” Parizo said.
Parizo also said Coppola has an ax to grind with her personally because she has a Freedom of Information complaint pending against the attorney and the Board of Aldermen in Hartford.
Parizo questioned how much money Coppola is charging Derby to research the Butler election mistake — and noted a Derby constable was sent to her house to deliver the letter.
“How much is this costing the city? It is a complete waste of time,” Parizo said.
Coppola Responds
Coppola brushed off Parizo’s accusations, saying he has nothing personal against her or the Derby Democrats. His concern is the integrity of the election — and the future integrity of the tax board.
“I’m simply doing my job,” Coppola said.
Regarding the Freedom of Information complaint, Coppola said moves like that are not personal — and are part of doing business as an attorney for a public body.
Ron Sill, the president of the Derby Board of Aldermen and a Democrat, said Derby has moved on from the ballot blunder.
The Democrats listened to the advice from the Secretary of State’s office — and no one complained.
The Democrats then appointed James R. Butler to the tax board, according to the rules spelled out in the Derby Charter. Again, no one complained.
“We’re wasting too much time and city money on politics,” Sill said.
