Cassetti will face Phil Tripp, a former “Team Cassetti” Republican who switched parties and is running as a challenger from the Democratic Party.
“Now I’m always fond of saying, ‘it can be done,’” Cassetti said from the podium at Joseph Doyle Senior Center. “It’s on a little sign that sits on my desk and on a big sign in the Board of Aldermen Chambers. And for six years, we have generated real results to prove that saying true.”
At the start of his speech, which can be viewed in its entirety by pressing the play button, Cassetti talked about the Ansonia school district.
The school board and Superintendent Carol Merlone, who recently retired, fought bitterly with the Board of Aldermen and Cassetti after the city took $600,000 from the schools in January 2018.
The school board eventually sued to get the money back. The state education department repeatedly said the city acted improperly, and eventually the city settled out of court.
But Cassetti said he’s increased spending on education and that he welcomed a “new path of cooperation and communication between the city and the Board of Education.”
The mayor said city officials’ efforts allowed manufacturers like the Farrel Corporation, Better Packages and Rugpad USA to flourish and expand in Ansonia, helping to grow the grand list and bring jobs to the city.
He said a collection of new restaurants transformed Main Street, making Ansonia a dining destination.
“I am so pleased to announce that we are moving forward this summer on a brand new police station in the heart of downtown Ansonia, bringing a pillar of safety and security to where it is needed most,” Cassetti said.
Cassetti, who was was accompanied by his wife Ina, daughters Lillian and Jennifer and sons Anthony and David Jr., called upon his supporters to rally the community to “continue the exciting new course that Ansonia has chartered.”
He called all of his fellow Republican nominees up to the podium.
“Residents of Ansonia, our team of men and women want your support to continue our mission to recharge and revitalize our great city,” Cassetti said, “and for the next four months, we will be working hard to earn your vote for another two years of progress together.”
“Republicans, Democrats, those with no political affiliation at all, I urge you to stand with me, to stand with our team and stand up for Ansonia,” he said. “Together, we will remind anyone and everyone that ever doubted our great city: it can be done.”
The Republican slate:
Mayor
David S. Cassetti
Treasurer
Judy Larkin Nicolari
Town and City Clerk
Janet Vitarius Waugh
Board of Education
Richard Bshara
Sharon Voroschak Papcin
Aldermen
First Ward: Daniel King and Charlie W. Stowe
Second Ward: Bob Soboilsky and Bobbi Tar
Third Ward: Joseph Cassetti and Domenic Filippone
Fourth Ward: Tony Spigarolo
Fifth Ward: Joseph Jaumann and Chicago Rivers
Sixth Ward: Joshua A. Shuart and Tony Mammone
Seventh Ward: David Blackwell Jr. and Frank F. DeLibero