The feds say a newly-appointed member of the Derby Housing Authority can serve even though he rents an apartment to someone who receives government assistance.
The housing authority manages properties in the city in which tenants receive assistance from the federal government.
Mayor Anita Dugatto opted not to re-appoint Joseph Romano to the authority at the end of last year.
Romano was a member of the authority for 11 years.
Romano’s son is the chairman of the state Republican Party, so Dugatto, a Democrat, was accused of playing politics.
In a Jan. 5 story published in The New Haven Register, the elder Romano question whether Adam Pacheco — a new member appointed by Dugatto — could serve because he rents an apartment to a person on government assistance.
The Derby mayor’s office released a letter Monday from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stating Pacheco can serve in the volunteer position.
Pacheco owns a 4‑family house on Caroline Street where a tenant receives government assistance. The person was living in the house prior to Pacheco buying the house.
Generally, HUD prohibits landlords whose rent comes from HUD to also serve in a management capacity on an authority that has influence over public housing.
A Valley Indy investigation in 2012 revealed conflicts of interest within the Ansonia Housing Authority.
But Pacheco does not many rental properties in Derby, so HUD granted Pacheco a waiver so that he can serve.
In addition, HUD noted Pacheco would be an asset to the housing authority because of his history of public service.
