Robert Forte, a candidate from Derby’s Second Ward.
My name is Rob Forte and I’m running for Board of Aldermen in the 2nd and largest ward in Derby.
I moved to Derby from North Haven in 2009. While living in North Haven, I was a volunteer firefighter for 15 years and served on the Housing Authority Board and the planning committee for the Greater New Haven Columbus Day parade. These are just a few of the things that make me qualified to be an Aldermen. I have decided to run because I feel like it is the right time to give back to the city that has become my home.
Since moving to Derby eight years ago, I have seen taxes raise exponentially, businesses close, and no new development other than Pershing Drive (a project started by Mayor Staffieri’s administration).
As I’ve walked door to door in the 2nd Ward, I have heard from multiple residents on their displeasure with the current state of affairs in Derby. People in the neighborhood of Emmett Avenue are unhappy with how the situation regarding the Bluff Street Bridge has been handled. There are dozens of homes throughout my ward in disrepair and a majority of residents are disappointed in the general lack of progress with the Downtown.
I know the current Board of Aldermen care about Derby and have worked hard to get things done, but perhaps it’s time for some new sets of eyes to get a chance at bringing Derby back to the vibrant city it once was.
Sadly, we live in a city that once flourished with big factories that made not only Derby, but also the entire Valley a prosperous and wonderful place to live. We now need to be creative to spark a new type of economic development. As I look around at the surrounding towns, I see housing, retail, and restaurants popping up all over the place.
Why can’t Derby be a part of this?
The Mayor says that the grand list went down because of the last revaluation. You can’t rely on the residents to foot the bill for taxes. We need more businesses to come in and take the burden off the residents. Let’s get these empty buildings back on the tax roll.
On November 7th, please consider voting for Rob Forte in the 2nd Ward.
I promise I’ll go to bat for my constituents, always have your best interests in mind, and keep you informed every step of the way toward progress. Thank you.
The writer is running on the Republican ticket to represent the Second Ward on the Derby Board of Aldermen.
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