I write in support of Brian Coppolo as the next Mayor of the City of Derby. Brian comes from a family that has deep roots in our community and a long record of service to the city.
As a fresh face, Brian brings the enthusiasm and creativity of years of work managing restaurants and the sober discipline of his training as both a volunteer and career firefighter. He has not only a vision for a better Derby, but the work ethic needed to make the necessary changes to our government structure brought about by mismanagement of the current administration.
The Derby Democratic Party is united in its mission to get our city back on track. We have endorsed a very capable and diverse slate of both veterans and newcomers. We believe that our diversity is our strength, and a transparent and competent administration led by Brian Coppolo is the better path for Derby.
I know Brian. He comes from a long line of people who have served our community. His father Allen has served the city for over forty years as a member of the Derby Fire Department in a number of roles including Fire Chief. Brian’s grandmother, Joan McMahon Coppolo, taught piano to hundreds of Derbyites, in addition to serving as the Director of Music at St. Mary Church and the First Congregational Church. His great-grandfather, James McMahon, served as a part-time Derby Police Officer in the years after World War II.
Brian’s other great-grandfather, Arthur Raro, purchased a gas station in downtown Derby in 1930, and it was operated by Brian’s grandparents, William Sr. and Frances Raro, for many years and then by his uncle, William Raro, Jr. The business is still in existence today. In fact, Brian’s parents met while his father was working at Raro’s Automotive Center, and he eventually married the boss’s daughter Sharon, who is a Cardiology Patient Service Associate in the Valley.
The Coppolo, Raro, and McMahon families believed in and invested in our City. Brian wants to carry the torch for the next generation to get Derby’s financial house in order and set a tone for future success.
Derby needs a new vision. Derby needs a leader who will be actively engaged in the operation of the City. Derby needs Brian Coppolo as our Mayor to continue his family’s legacy and to move our city forward.
Sincerely,
Aniello D. Malerba III, Chair
Derby Democratic Town Committee
