I’ve always believed that it is the people who lose elections that can sometimes be poor sports. But it seems to me in the City of Ansonia it’s the winner who is the poor sport.
Mayor Cassetti, you won. Do your people have to constantly try and belittle our former mayor?
James Della Volpe was elected seven times; more than any mayor in this city’s history. Now he was either doing something right or the residents of Ansonia are all dumb. Did Mayor Della Volpe make some bad decisions? Of course. You don’t spend 14 years in City Hall without making some mistakes. But overall, he was a terrific mayor.
I am not a lifelong friend of Mr. Della Volpe, in fact I’m 68 years old and have only lived the last 28 years in Ansonia. I’m writing this because I’m tired of reading all the negativity coming out of City Hall about our former Mayor.
I know a lot of this is coming from his staff, some who are not even from Ansonia.
I just want people to know our experience with the former Mayor. My wife and I suffered a major tragedy six years ago and Mayor Della Volpe was one of the first ones by our side. I will never forget that and will be eternally grateful. Maybe compassion doesn’t mean a lot, but to us it meant everything. I have nothing against Mayor Cassetti, in fact I want him to do a great job, because then we all win. Just please lay off our former mayor, remember you won.
Joseph Kowalczyk, Ansonia
The writer is an Ansonia resident.
I don’t believe that the Mayor nor anyone from his administration have ever personally attacked Dellavope. Mayor Cassetti is trying to address long standing problems that have been established before takingg office. This letter, and other accusations, seem misleading. There were good and bad times from the previous administration though I feel that our newly elected Mayor is doing his best and moving forward with the progression of Ansonia. I strongly believe he has the best interest of the residents of Ansonia.
The former mayor was a crook and did nothing for the city’s residents. He took care of himself and his boys while looting the cities taxes for various things.
I was and still am very pleased with the new mayor. He’s a step in the right direction for the people. Anyone who doesn’t think so is probably sour that the same old administration isn’t in there. Oh well!
Della Volpe getting the boot was long overdue. It’s my word against his on the confrontation that he dealt to me years ago but his intention was to take care of himself, his family and retire on the city’s dime. He never intended to lose, ever. He was that cocky. He used intimidation tactics whenever he was challenged.
I went up against him and the BOE plenty when my kid was in the school system and I pointed out the corruption. While many residents agreed with what I did nobody would stand up against the former mayor in fear that they or a relative would lose a job over it. So people remained silent.
There’s no doubt that you HAVE to run a government like a business. That’s what is seriously lacking in our entire government. It’s always easy spending other people’s money. That needed to stop. I say the new mayor is a sign that a lot of people in this town woke the hell up and weren’t going to continue down the path that Della Volpe was taking.
I must say Ken’s comments are very well written. As far as the new administration I wish them well and hope their time turns in to everything they want it to.