The Democrats officially kicked off their campaign season Sunday with a fundraiser for retired Derby school teacher Dan Foley, Jr.
Foley, 59, is trying to unseat incumbent Mayor Anthony Staffieri.
The “Derby Democratic Outing,” held at Coon Hollow Park, raised at least $900 for Foley’s campaign, according to Democratic Town Committee members.
Money collected from entrance fees of $15 per person or $30 per family will go to the DTC for lawn signs for the slate of Democratic candidates, while T‑shirt sales and raffle proceeds will just go to Foley’s campaign.
Foley said he was very pleased to see so many supporters at the event.
“It’s the largest turnout we’ve seen in ten years,” Foley said, adding that the event had attracted more than just Democrats, but unaffiliated voters and even a few Republicans as well.
He was also pleased to see support from prominent state Democrats as well.
Those who attended included Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Democratic Party Chair Nancy DiNardo, Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, State Rep. Linda Gentile (D‑Derby), State Sen. Joseph Crisco (D‑Derby).
Locally, Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe was also in attendance.
Democratic Town Committee chairman Sam Rizzitelli and a few of his eight children played in a large touch football game on the lawn, in a Derby Eastside versus Derby Westside game.
At halftime, when Rizzitelli finally got a break, the score was 14 – 7, Eastside.
“It’s encouraging to see so much interest and excitement,” Rizzitelli said. “The town’s looking for new leadership and Dan’s a fresh face. There’s a lot of grassroots interest,” he added.
Foley supporters Olga and Steve Dytko of Derby brought their 10-year-old son, John, to the event, which also offered a sizeable dinner spread and cotton candy.
Foley taught their older daughter, Stephanie, in sixth grade at Bradley School, and her parents had nothing but good things to say about Foley as a teacher — and as a candidate.
“We need big change in Derby,” Steve Dytko said. “There’s nothing happening here except talk – talk and lawsuits.”
Staffieri’s campaign, meanwhile, held their first fundraiser Aug. 20 at the AM Club. The Republican event sold about 300 tickets and raised about $7,000, according to an e‑mail from Aldermanic President Ken Hughes, who is serving as the mayor’s campaign chair.
