I have been honored to serve the City of Derby for the past few years. I feel that my opponent, during the election process, has misstated the operations of my administration.
The Mayor’s door is always open. The public meetings of the various Boards welcome anyone to attend and participate. My staff and administration has always been open to the public.
There are many misconceptions that the Mayor is the sole party in control of City Hall.
In fact, the Mayor of the City of Derby is only a leader of many departments and personnel. The Mayor, the actions of Board of Aldermen, the Board of Assessment and Taxation, and all other City Departments are dictated by the Charter and the Ordinances of the City of Derby.
The City Departments and Boards follow the Charter and Ordinances when purchasing goods and services that are required to go out to bid or when a public meeting is called.
There are few exceptions to the bidding requirement; however, when a Contract is to be signed or a bill is to be paid, the appropriate Boards are well informed. It takes more than a Mayor to run the City of Derby. I am proud of the many department heads and personnel that help run the City.
For example, for the past few years, many residents expressed their concerns regarding blighted and unkempt properties.
I took the initiative to form a Task Force of the various City Departments in an effort to study and assist in order to improve the quality of life of our residents. As a result of the hard work of the Task Force, the Board of Aldermen passed a Nuisance Ordinance.
This was a team effort, and I am proud of what hard work could achieve.
We in government are always looking to operate more efficiently and with the taxpayers and residents in mind. My Administration is proud of our many accomplishments and we cherish the notoriety given by the news media.
The writer is a Republican running for re-election as Derby mayor.
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