Daniel Foley Jr, the retired Derby math and English teacher who lost a bid to unseat Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri in 2009, announced plans to run again.
Foley, a Democrat, lost to Staffieri, a Republican, by 411 votes in November 2009.
Foley, 61, made his announcement Friday to local Democrats gathered for a Christmas party at the Elks Club on Elizabeth Street. He is hoping for a nomination from them like he had in 2008.
Foley said the last campaign cycle was rushed and that his candidacy got off the ground less than four months prior to Election Day.
“I have more time to devote,” he said.
This time he has most of the 2011 to prepare, raise his campaign chest and line up a support team.
“Now we have a longer period of time and hopefully we will be successful,” he said.
Foley is a 1967 graduate of Derby High School, where he was a three-sport athlete and co-captain of the football team.
He has a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees from Southern Connecticut State University — and a second master’s degree from Fairfield University.
Supporters have described him as a non-politician — he led the teachers union but has not served on local boards and commissions, which is the path many political leaders follow on their road to holding office.
“I don’t know whether that’s good or bad,” he said, joking.
His support keeps accumulating, he said.
“Many people that were not involved in the previous election have come forward to support me,” Foley said.
Foley said his top priority is to reduce crime in Derby. Second is the downtown redevelopment project.
“I think we need to improve the quality of life. The big question out there, is, are we better out there today than at the last election? I think not,” he said.
In the meantime he has appointed Mike McFarland as his campaign manager and Linda Fusco as his treasurer.
Staffieri, meanwhile, said he has already has the local Republican party’s support for another term in office. Official endorsements aren’t made until July. He said Monday he wishes Foley and any other challenger well.
Those challengers could include Mark Searles, a 42-year-old Democrat who announced his candidacy to the Valley Indy last month.
Staffieri acknowledged the potential challengers, but had only kind words.
“I don’t talk bad about my opponents,” Staffieri said. “I wish them well.”
It took determination and a love for his city for Dan Foley to come forward and run for a second chance to become Mayor of Derby. Although this will be his second attempt, he is starting off on the right foot by destructing the flaws that hurt his first run. He is relying on intelligent, concerned backers that will lead him to a victory. Mike McFarland was an excellent choice for his Campaign Manager and hopefully Dan will bring Derby back and move it forward. He knows what the problems are and he is making sure the right people are put in place to move Derby forward. Tony Staffieri had three terms to move Derby forward, it did not happen, although he has done some good things for the town, he had his chance. It is time for change, and Dan, I wish you all the luck in your run for Mayor. Guys like you don’t come around often, I believe with the right people behind you, Derby may stand a chance to gain back it’s respect and move forward. You deserve that chance Dan, be smart, pick your backers that are smart, honest and are in it for the good of Derby. Derby should be our pride and our first concern, let’s not lose sight of that…..
Another term for Mayor Staffieri? For the sake of the children that attend Derby schools I sincerely hope not! Personally, I have selfishly considered running for Mayor to bring focus and attention to education for the benefit of my son and other school children. I posted a series of questions on Jerry Labriola’s Facebook page about Derby and his answers were eye opening in how dry and depressing they were. Rosa DeLauro made no reply whatsoever on her Facebook page to my questions. We the citizens carry the burden alone if we hope and wish to make Derby a better place.
Uh, Sharpeye? This was announced on the 17th. We kinda have to talk about it now. And we’re still a week from Christmas Eve.
If you don’t want to participate, that’s your call. As for me? I’ll take some time to absorb this information before I comment further. Not because it’s the holidays, but because we have a pretty confused situation right now.