Joseph DiMartino
DERBY — As Derby High School’s softball coach for more than 30 years, Joe DiMartino knows a thing or two about teamwork and winning.
And that’s what DiMartino- who currently serves as Aldermanic President- plans to bring to his candidacy as mayor, for which he was unanimously endorsed Tuesday night (July 27).
More than 50 people gathered at the Veteran’s Memorial Building for the Democratic Town Committee’s nominating caucus. They gave the father of four daughters their blessings to launch his campaign for the city’s top spot.
Prior to the caucus kick-off, Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo called for a moment of silence for longtime party member, dedicated city servant and “true son of Derby” James R. Butler, who passed away July 2 at age 82.
Longtime Alderman Ron Sill nominated DiMartino for the seat.
“We have the chance to bring forward someone who eats, sleeps and breathes Derby, who married his Derby High School sweetheart, Lori and brought four lovely daughters into this world,” Sill said. “He coached Derby High Softball for 30 years and was assistant wrestling coach for 13 years. So he knows how to assemble a team, he knows how to manage a team and he will manage a team that will make this city proud. And he will be on the job and available in person, there when you need a mayor.”
Former DTC Chairwoman Linda Fusco seconded DiMartino’s nomination, and said the time is now for Derby voters to pick a person who’ll commit 100 percent to the job.
“Joe is the right man to lead Derby into a new day,” Fusco said. “He will be a mayor who will show up every day and will work across the aisle for the betterment of the city.”
DiMartino, 54, holding back tears, said he wouldn’t be taking on a mayoral run without the love and support of his beloved wife, daughters and brother, 3rd Ward Alderman Jim DiMartino.
“All I know is Derby,” DiMartino said. “I grew up in Derby, married my high school sweetheart, worked at Public Works for 33 years and coached for 30 years…Derby is everything to me. As mayor, I will be at City Hall every day. The residents voted for a full-time mayor and that’s not what we have. I’m going to focus on cleaning up the city’s image, restoring Derby’s pride and will bring transparency to city government, which is a very big thing for me. I will also have a full-time staff member dedicated to economic development and business retention. As a coach, I know all about teamwork, so let’s hit the streets, get our message out and as a team, we can all win this thing together.”
DiMartino, a DHS Class of ’85 graduate, credited his interest in politics to his longtime friend and fellow classmate, former Mayor and current Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo. He also lauded Sill as his mentor, who opted to take some time off from serving on the Board of Aldermen back in 2009, for inspiring him to serve the city for the past decade.
DTC Chairman Aniello Malerba, III, is excited to have DiMartino lead the Democratic ticket.
“It’s time for us to get this done, and today is Day One of the rebirth of our city,” Malerba said.
DiMartino will face Republican Mayor Richard Dziekan at the polls this November. Dziekan received the unanimous nod from the GOP last week to seek a third term in office.
Here’s a list of all the Democratic-endorsed candidates for the November 2 municipal election:
Mayor:
Joseph L. DiMartino
Treasurer:
Maria Conlon (recently appointed to fill a vacancy created by Walt Mayhew’s resignation)
Town Clerk:
Marc J. Garofalo (incumbent)
First Ward Aldermen/Alderwomen:
Barbara L. DeGennaro (incumbent)
Anita Dugatto (incumbent)
Sarah Widomski (incumbent)
Second Ward Alderman/Alderwomen:
Brian Coppolo
Camille Grande Kurtyka (incumbent)
Ronald M. Sill (incumbent)
Third Ward Alderman/Alderwomen:Roseanne Geer Linda Fusco
Rita Reilly Pelaggi
Kevin P. Sharkey, Sr.
Board of Education:
Melissa L. Cannata (incumbent)
Veronica DiLullo
Daniel P. Foley, Jr. (incumbent)
George F. Kurtyka (incumbent)
Judy Malerba
Kenneth R. Marcucio, Sr. (incumbent)
Tax Board:
Jennifer Desroches
Christopher Larocque
Carlo N. Malerba, Jr. (incumbent)
Bhamini Patel
Rose M. Petroso (incumbent)
Bruce Sill
Constable:
Owney Malerba, Jr. (incumbent)
