
Ladies and Gentleman, once again it’s time for the main event. Are you ready to rumble!? Election 2019.
In the red corner, incumbent Mayor David S. Cassetti, three-time victor as overwhelmingly decided by voters to ENERGIZE Ansonia into a new era of growth and progress.
In the blue corner, challenger Phil Tripp, elected as a Republican alderman in the last election, now a card-carrying Democrat, albeit the ink hasn’t fully dried yet.
But first, a ringside recap of Mayor Cassetti’s last three bouts:
2013: Then underdog, Cassetti, former boxer, alderman, police commissioner, and working man’s working man challenges long-time democratic incumbent Jim Della Volpe after majority-held democrat Board of Aldermen (BOA) propose ludicrous mil-rate increase while presiding over a deserted upper Main Street, diminished civic pride and little hope for change or economic development. In a huge upset, judges score their cards for Cassetti.
2015: Mayor Cassetti is challenged by former republican Ed Adamowski. Fresh off of two years of forming an energetic and creative administration, and having a BOA Republican majority, the mil-rate decreases, real economic development rears its head and residents realized happy days were here again. Knockout! Cassetti wins!
2017: From places unknown, lightweight Tarek Raslan throws down the gauntlet but the Democratic Party might as well have thrown in the towel as Mayor Cassetti and his heavyweight mantra of “IT CAN BE DONE” proved to be too tangible to deny or defeat. With Corporation Counsel J. P. Marini and Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley in his corner, as well as the Republican BOA, existing businesses grow, new businesses set up shop and Ansonia bucks the Connecticut trend of not being business friendly. Cassetti wins!
2019: Mayor Cassetti faces a new challenger, as former contenders shy away from a rematch. Cassetti, like him or not, has proven to be one of Ansonia’s most popular and result-orientated mayors with a record that speaks for itself: streets, sidewalks, demolition, construction, community events, on and on and on. When you root for David S. Cassetti, you know who you’re rooting for. He’s a fighter who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the Democrats in Hartford who are bringing the state to its knees and have residents and businesses leaving in droves.
Phil Tripp, who has been three times elected to the BOA as a Republican, was chosen as the Democrats’ best hope (insert dramatic pause here). Folks, I’ll leave you to figure that one out for yourselves. At the very least, it is a fascinating tactic.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Nov. 5, and come out to vote for your champion. Don’t take anything for granted.
Current office holders and new candidates work hard at what they do and the chance to serve you. Please come out to exercise your rights and to support their efforts.
Elections are what makes America great! Be a part of that.
The writer is a former member of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen now running for city sheriff on the Republican line.
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The deadline to submit election letters expired Oct. 31.