Daniel Foley Jr, the retired Derby math and English teacher who lost a bid to unseat Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri in 2009, announced plans to run again.
Foley, a Democrat, lost to Staffieri, a Republican, by 411 votes in November 2009.
Foley, 61, made his announcement Friday to local Democrats gathered for a Christmas party at the Elks Club on Elizabeth Street. He is hoping for a nomination from them like he had in 2008.
Foley said the last campaign cycle was rushed and that his candidacy got off the ground less than four months prior to Election Day.
“I have more time to devote,” he said.
This time he has most of the 2011 to prepare, raise his campaign chest and line up a support team.
“Now we have a longer period of time and hopefully we will be successful,” he said.
Foley is a 1967 graduate of Derby High School, where he was a three-sport athlete and co-captain of the football team.
He has a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees from Southern Connecticut State University — and a second master’s degree from Fairfield University.
Supporters have described him as a non-politician — he led the teachers union but has not served on local boards and commissions, which is the path many political leaders follow on their road to holding office.
“I don’t know whether that’s good or bad,” he said, joking.
His support keeps accumulating, he said.
“Many people that were not involved in the previous election have come forward to support me,” Foley said.
Foley said his top priority is to reduce crime in Derby. Second is the downtown redevelopment project.
“I think we need to improve the quality of life. The big question out there, is, are we better out there today than at the last election? I think not,” he said.
In the meantime he has appointed Mike McFarland as his campaign manager and Linda Fusco as his treasurer.
Staffieri, meanwhile, said he has already has the local Republican party’s support for another term in office. Official endorsements aren’t made until July. He said Monday he wishes Foley and any other challenger well.
Those challengers could include Mark Searles, a 42-year-old Democrat who announced his candidacy to the Valley Indy last month.
Staffieri acknowledged the potential challengers, but had only kind words.
“I don’t talk bad about my opponents,” Staffieri said. “I wish them well.”
