DERBY — To the Editor,
I would like to thank the residents of Derby for having the faith in me and giving me the awesome privilege of leading our city as their mayor.
As a lifetime Derby resident, it was a dream come true to become mayor of our wonderful city. I wish my parents Henry and Genevieve were here to see their youngest son become mayor. They would have been so proud to see the many accomplishments that my administration has completed in these last four years.
We walked into a financial mess with the city having a $1.8 million deficit in our fund balance due to a $1.2 million accounting error by the previous administration. Now our city is financially strong with the accounting error corrected, a positive $3.7 million fund balance and a financial professional with municipal financial experience overseeing our finances, instead of a political appointee, to ensure this mistake never happens again.
Even during such challenging times financially and during a pandemic, my administration did not retreat or stand still. We moved forward. We put 28 properties back on the tax rolls.
We had four major development projects become approved for our downtown, totaling more than $90 million. We approved construction for fuel cells on Roosevelt Drive and Coon Hollow Road that will generate clean energy and bring in millions of dollars in new tax and leasing revenue. The Route 34 widening project was put out to bid so construction can begin. We saw our grand list increase by more than $99 million.
We got approval for a 1‑million gallon water tank to be constructed on the west side, which will eliminate the major safety issue of low water pressure. We have upgraded equipment for the Police Department, Fire Department and Ambulance Corp. We regionalized services with Ansonia, Shelton and Seymour, which resulted in tax dollar savings for the city. We negotiated five union contracts, which resulted in savings for the city. We assisted with wellness programs to help keep our employees healthy.
Whether its preparing for a hurricane, navigating us through a pandemic, checking on the city projects or related to weather, potential disaster or following up on complaints to City Hall, should there be a resident in need of assistance, I have always offered a hand.
Being on scene to address flooding, power outages, fires, helping with the distribution of diapers, Christmas presents or food for our homebound residents, I have been there 24/7, 365 days a year. I have worked with our non-profit organizations such as TEAM, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club, churches and veteran organizations. As mayor, I have raised over $40,000 for fireworks and non-profit organizations.
I thank you for the opportunity to lead this wonderful city. I ask you for your support to continue leading us in the right direction by implementing my plans for tax relief and achieving sustained economic development that will benefit our city for decades to come.
Rich “Zeke” Dziekan
Mayor, City of Derby
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