Something different in this year’s Valley Indy “Year In Review.”
Let’s get positive!
Best Use Of Social Media
Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis
Once upon a time Valley governments were decidedly anti-social media. Those days are long gone, with the government realizing locally Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with the populace.
Drugonis uses social media effectively. It’s not about plastering her name on thinly-veilied propaganda.
It’s about answering questions from residents, whether it’s in a Facebook thread or monthly livestream. Always informative.
** Runner up: Ansonia Police Department.
Honest Abe Award
Derby Mayor Joseph DiMartino
There’s been a trend in Derby City Hall where the current mayor blames the past mayor for any and all issues, all the time.
DiMartino did his share of that when he came in, but he was also blunt when it came to a big old tax hike in Derby. Bolstered by his finance director, the mayor convinced a politically mixed tax board (the group empowered to approve mill rates) that, like it or not, Derby had to raise taxes, political third rail or not.
Charge Ahead Award
Sterling Opera House Commission
The efforts to renovate the Sterling Opera House have stopped and started a bunch of times over 30 years. Many government grants have been secured, but, simply put, Derby is an economically distressed city with lots of priorities and no money.
The newish Sterling Opera House Commission, chaired by Dana Florenza Serna, seems determined, politically savvy, and, probably most importantly, seems intent on sticking around!
'Valleyness' Award
TEAM, Inc.
The Valley Community Foundation coined the phrase “Valleyness” in an annual report this year. It means, in part, a “set of values, characteristics, and actions that traditionally define the Valley community and its people.” Click here for the complete definition.
The staff at TEAM Inc. seems to be the definition of “Valleyness” personified. While they’ve been helping people for generations on the Valley, TEAM Inc.’s efforts to help people impacted by the floods of Aug. 18 this year really went above and beyond.
Best AV Set Up
City of Derby
Derby became the gold standard of public meeting transparency in 2024. They started using an AV set up that allows hybrid meetings that can actually be seen and heard by people who want to watch from home.
The fact is meetings shouldn’t just be in person. The public should always have the option to watch and participate from home.
Derby’s system, (when it’s working as it does seem a bit buggy), is a great resource.
Valley Unsung Hero
Erik the Drone Guy
I kid with the name because Erik is, at this point, an old friend of The Valley Indy.
This might not be the best time to mention drones (stop confusing planes with drones and chill out people) but Oxford’s Erik Granato showed the value of drones in capturing history as it happens.
Granato is the guy behind “Droning Around CT,” a drone business that documented the damage left behind from the deadly flash floods that tore through the region on Aug. 18, 2024.
Granato’s work provided eyewitness – or a bird’s eye view – accounts of the devastation. He also shared his work with the media, allowing more people to see that the storm – although concentrated – really packed a punch.
His videos amassed thousands of views and the comments on social media clearly showed his efforts were appreciated.
Bravo, Erik, and thank you for your tireless efforts to inform the public!
