Remember Tuesday, when voters in the Valley went to the polls to choose fellow residents to represent them in local government?
No?
Well, let’s take another look!
Here is a list of awards in various categories we just made up.
Enjoy!
CLASS ACT
Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe
Della Volpe didn’t hesitate Tuesday to congratulate Republican challenger David Cassetti and a large group of Republicans celebrating their upset win at their headquarters on Main Street.
The mayor promised the mayor-elect a smooth transition and offered words of encouragement.
Cassetti hugged Della Volpe, a nice end to a hard-fought campaign by two guys born and raised in Ansonia.
The video is below.
PARTY ANIMALS!
The Ansonia Republicans
Who says Republicans can’t let their hair down?
The Ansonia GOP were the most jubilant group in the Valley Nov. 5.
Cassetti’s acceptance speech was interrupted for a champagne toast.
And here they are SINGING!
Hey, who brought the siren?
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
“Before there was Chris Christie, there was Mark Lauretti.”
Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti (above with State Rep. Jason Perillo), joked that he had cornered the market on being outspoken before New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made national headlines (photo by Fred Musante).
SHOULD PROBABLY RUN FOR U.S. PRESIDENT IN 2016
Beth Lynch, Ansonia
It was a very bad night for Ansonia Democrats Tuesday.
They lost the mayor’s office after 14 years. They lost control of the Board of Aldermen.
Yet Lynch, a Democrat, was elected Town Clerk.
Sure, one could argue a petitioning candidate took votes away from her Republican opponent, but a win’s a win!
Lynch could be a contender for U.S. President if her campaign manager is …
RISING STAR
… John Marini!
Marini orchestrated and coordinated the GOP campaign in Ansonia. This was a party five years ago that didn’t have a seat on the Board of Aldermen.
Curiously, he didn’t seek re-election to Ansonia’s Seventh Ward.
Maybe that “Our Next Governor” sign referencing Marini spotted at the Republican headquarters is a hint to future plans?
Here’s video of Marini introducing Mayor-elect Cassetti.
MOST HONEST ASSESSMENT
“We got spanked.”
Democrat Chris Jones (pictured above, standing behind Democratic mayoral candidate David Gioiello) on the races in Shelton, which were easily won by local Republicans (photo by Leah Salomoni).
COMEBACK OF THE NIGHT
Marc Garofalo
The lifelong Derby resident was mayor for eight years until being unseated by Anthony Staffieri in 2005.
Prior to being mayor, Garofalo served on the Board of Aldermen and the tax board.
Voters put him back in City Hall by electing him City/Town Clerk Tuesday.
Honorable mention: Dave Lenart, Derby: The Storms chief was ousted from the Derby Board of Aldermen in 2011, but he fared much better Tuesday and is now one of two Republicans on the board.
MOST COMMITTED
Keith McLiverty
Derby City Treasurer Keith McLiverty was up for re-election Tuesday. He doesn’t belong to a political party, but he was endorsed by Republicans.
Running on the Republican line wasn’t a good spot in Derby Nov. 5.
He came to Derby City Hall alone about 10 p.m. to check results.
“I can’t go to bed not knowing,” he said.
McLiverty was re-elected by 31 votes.
(The videos above were by Liana Teixeira)
RANDOM SPOTTING OF A VALLEY INDY FACEBOOK FAN
While searching for additional video by Ryan Jones from Mayor-elect Anita Dugatto’s headquarters, we came across this:
That’s Chris Bowen, a prolific Valley commentator!
