Dan Foley, the retired school teacher trying to secure the Democratic nomination for mayor, released the list of people who are advising him as he again tries to challenge incumbent Republican Mayor Anthony Staffieri.
Foley lost to Staffieri in 2009.
Mike McFarland is Foley’s campaign manager, according to a statement that went out Sunday.
McFarland served as campaign manager twice for former Derby mayor, the late Richard Grande.
McFarland was active on the Democratic Town Committee from 1972 to 1992. He’s returning specifically to help Foley.
Linda Fusco, a former Alderwoman and veteran Democrat, is returning as Foley’s campaign treasurer.
Rob Hyder, a member of the Derby Ethics Board, is serving as Foley’s publicist.
Foley’s wife, Maureen, will be in charge of raising money for the Foley campaign with Sandy Watson, another active Democrat.
Staffieri was able to raise much more money than Foley during his 2009 re-election campaign.
Ken Hughes, a Republican and the president of the Board of Aldermen, said Foley’s collected a solid set of advisers.
“I know each and every person on Mr Foley’s team, and wish them the best of luck in their run for mayor,” Hughes said.
Mark Searles is also trying to secure the Democratic nomination for mayor. A nominating convention for the local parties is usually held in the summer.
