Joe DiMartino
DERBY – Former Democratic Aldermanic President Joseph DiMartino received the unanimous support of the Derby Democratic Town Committee to run for mayor at a nominating caucus Thursday (July 24) at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo, a childhood friend and fellow Derby High School classmate of DiMartino, nominated the father of four girls for the top of the Democratic ticket.
“Joe’s dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community make him the idea candidate to lead us into a prosperous future,” said Garofalo. “There’s bipartisan agreement in our city that it’s time for a change in leadership.”
Garofalo added DiMartino’s long record of public service qualify him to lead Derby.
“Joe is a resident, he knows our streets, our neighborhoods and our people,” Garofalo said. “One of Joe’s most admirable qualities is his ability to bring people together regardless of political affiliation. He possesses a gift of fostering collaboration, forging partnerships, lifelong friendships and building bridges across diverse communities. His inclusive leadership style ensures every voice is heard and valued and no one is left behind.”
DiMartino, 56, is waging his second run at the mayor’s seat. He lost by 48 votes to Incumbent Republican Mayor Richard Dziekan in the Nov. 2021 election.
“Transparency and accountability in government are of the utmost importance to me,” he said. “I believe in an open and inclusive approach to governance where the voices of the residents are heard and considered. I will work diligently to ensure that government decisions are made with integrity and that the interests of the community are put first. I stand here today as a representative of change, progress and unity. I am committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of Derby. Together we can build a community that we are proud to call home, a city that offers opportunities for all and a place where our children can thrive.”
DiMartino said if elected some of his key priorities will be to foster economic growth and revitalization, embark on a strategic planning process that involves heavy public participation and input, be an advocate for education, enhance public safety and community policing to ensure neighborhoods are safe and provide programs for city kids to keep them involved in positive activities.
DiMartino’s son-in-law, Ryan Toffey, said DiMartino is well-equipped for the job of mayor, especially leading a household of five, strong-willed females: his wife and four daughters.
“Aside from his coaching (Derby High School softball) for over 30 years and being a member of the Board of Alders and eventually becoming its president, I’ve watched Joe do something almost impossible and that’s lead a house full of strong, independent women every single day,” Toffey said. “I’ve had the opportunity to closely watch Joe as he selflessly and even quietly takes on many responsibilities for the city, his friends and his family-not because of any personal or political agenda, not for money, not for likes on social media and not for an article in a local publication. Hoe does it for one reason, because he cares.”
In addition to unanimously supporting DiMartino for mayor, the Democratic under-ticket also received unanimous approval, and includes the endorsement of five candidates who ran on the Republican ticket with Dziekan in 2021. One of those candidates, longtime Derby Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea, switched his party affiliation to Democrat because he likes what DiMartino is offering.
Gildea said having five people switch to the Democratic ticket this year is huge.
“I have never seen anything like that in my 35 years of politics,” Gildea said. “After being involved in our city for the last 35 years, I felt that Joe and his team offered Derby the best opportunity to reclaim the glory that it once had. Over the last two years, I have watched our town be led by those who were negative, divisive and displayed a total lack of civility and I simply could not be involved with that type of behavior.”
Alderwoman Barbara L. DeGennaro, who has represented the First Ward since 2009 and has a long record of community service to Derby, opted not to seek re-election.
Garofalo was nominated to run for the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen in the First Ward. However, Garofalo said his name is just a placeholder until the Democrats hear from the First Ward candidate they actually intend to run for the seat. The person is currently out of town and has until Wednesday to file paperwork. Garofalo would not provide the potential candidate’s name.
Alderman Gino DiGiovanni received the nomination for mayor from the Derby Republican Town Committee on July 19.
Dziekan, a Republican, plans to collect signatures in order to force a Republican primary against DiGiovanni.
The following is the slate of Democratic candidates unanimously endorsed by the Derby Democrats:
Treasurer
Maria Conlon
Constable
Aniello ‘Owney’ Malerba, Jr.
Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen
First Ward:
Amy L. Pettinicchi
Sarah Widomski
Marc Garofalo (see above)
Second Ward:
Jessica Gomez
George F. Kurtyka
Ronald M. Sill
Third Ward:
Robert Hyder (who previously ran on the Republican ticket)
Jessica Perez
Linda Fusco
Board of Apportionment and Taxation
Jennifer Desroches
Michael Gray (previously ran on Republican ticket)
Coleen Germain Ezzo
Bhamini Patel
Tina Parelli Silkoff
Kristen Mancini Wright (previously ran on Republican ticket)
Board of Education
Daniel P. Foley, Jr.
Jim Gildea (previously ran on Republican ticket)
Jennifer Lewis Caruso (previously ran on Republican ticket)
Kenneth R. Marcucio, Sr.
Melissa Mongillo
Kimberly Tovar
Justice of the Peace
Roberto Santos
