Photo By Jason Edwards
Mayor Rich Dziekan talks to the Derby GOP Wednesday.
DERBY – Mayor Richard Dziekan was nominated for a third, two-year term on Wednesday and promised restore the state’s smallest city to its former glory.
The Derby Republican Town Committee met at the Hotchkiss Hose Fire Co. to formally endorse candidates ahead of the Nov. 2 election.
“As you may have heard, we have not been sitting around,” Dziekan said during his nomination speech. “We’re getting things done and will not stop until Derby is a major destination spot in Connecticut.”
A Hamden police officer and U.S. Air Force veteran, Dziekan’s main goals during his first two terms have been focused on transforming downtown.
“Developers are taking a serious look at Derby,” said Dziekan, referring to last night’s P&Z approval of 32 market-rate apartments to be constructed at 33 Elizabeth Street.
“Progress has been made on many fronts,” Dziekan said, pointing to the fact the city’s mill rate was lowered in the latest Derby budget while the grand list increased.
The mayor predicted 7 percent grand list growth if approved redevelopment projects are built downtown. The mayor also pointed to new revenue expected from two fuel cell projects, one on Roosevelt Drive and one on Coon Hollow Road.
In a third term, Dziekan said he would focus on transit-oriented developments near the Derby train station and bus depot.
“I have met with both U.S. senators as well as Congresswoman DeLauro to impress upon the importance of capital investment in transportation and infrastructure in the City of Derby,” Dziekan said.
The Derby Democratic Town Committee will hold its nominating caucus at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (July 27) at the Derby Veterans Memorial Building, where Derby Aldermanic President Joseph DiMartino is expected to be formally nominated for mayor.
The Republican under-ticket contains many first-time candidates. Currently there are only three GOP-backed Aldermen, all from the Third Ward.
Derby Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said new faces bring new ideas to city government.
“By evidence of the exciting under ticket with the new faces [Dziekan] has brought tonight, it shows that we have a re-energized town that people want to participate in,” Gildea said.
A notable change: Judy Szewczyk, the chairwoman of the tax board, is running for treasurer. Third Ward Alderman Jim DiMartino (brother of the mayoral challenger) opted not to seek re-election.
Here are the Derby GOP-endorsed candidates for the November election:
Mayor:
Richard Dziekan (incumbent)
Treasurer:
Judy Szewczyk
Town Clerk:
Mike Shea
First Ward Aldermen/Alderwomen:
Jason Miller
Rich DiCarlo
Lorie McCormack
Second Ward Alderman/Alderwomen:
Gene DiGiovanni
Jim Petrino
Alvin Holmes
Third Ward Alderman/Alderwomen:
Bob Kling
Charles Sampson (incumbent)
Rob Hyder (incumbent)
Board of Education:
Tara Hyder (incumbent)
Laura Harris (incumbent)
Jim Gildea (incumbent)
Rebecca O’Hara (incumbent)
Joe Iorfino
Jen Caruso
Tax Board:
Rob Forte (incumbent)
Mike Gray (incumbent)
Jeff Polis
Kristin Wright
Holly Orazietti
Chris Carloni (incumbent)
Constable:
Peter Duhaime (incumbent)
