Video: Mayor Staffieri Says Goodbye At Aldermen Meeting

Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri attended the last regularly scheduled Aldermen meeting of his four terms Nov. 21 and said the city is a better place than when he took office.

Staffieri, a Republican, was the city’s mayor since 2005. Democratic challenger Anita Dugatto unseated him in the Nov. 5 election.

Staffieri congratulated Dugatto while reading a statement saying he has been honored to be mayor.

Click the play button to see Staffieri speak.

It has been my honor and privilege to have served as mayor of the City of Derby for the past eight years,” Staffieri said. I wish to congratulate mayor-elect Anita Dugatto and her slate on her election to office.”

The mayor steered Derby through the worst economic climate since the Great Depression. A new middle school opened under his tenure and the city’s bond rating remained high, allowing the city to borrow money for lower interest rates.

Staffieri thanked members of the Board of Aldermen leaving office for their tireless efforts on behalf of the residents of Derby” and congratulated the new members elected this month.

I can leave my position as mayor of the City of Derby with my head held high,” Staffieri said. My team and I have done much to improve the quality of life of our residents and financial outlook through very financially trying times.”

Article continues after video of Staffieri being interviewed after his first election win in 2005. The video is courtesy of the Electronic Valley.

I believe I have left the city of Derby in better shape than when I began my tenure,” Staffieri said. That is something I am very proud of. I love derby. It’ll always be my home.”

Outgoing Republican Second Ward Alderman Joseph DiMartino also thanked residents and fellow officials during the meeting.

It’s been an honor, and to the nine members on this board, you are all my friends, and I’m truly honored to serve with you guys,” he said.

In a city where politics can on occasion get pretty toxic, Thursday’s meeting was notable for its conciliatory tone.

Most of the actual business on the agenda was tabled without discussion for Dugatto’s administration and the new Board of Aldermen to review and act on.

Even former Mayor (and Town Clerk-Elect) Marc Garofalo, a frequent and vocal critic of Staffieri since the mayor defeated him in the 2005 election, had well wishes for his adversary.

I’ve been here before the board many times, it’s not always the happiest time for you when I’ve stood up to speak, but I know what it’s like having served for eight years, so I want to congratulate you on your eight years and wish you well in your future endeavors,” Garofalo said.

After Thursday’s meeting Dugatto said that she had not yet sat down with Staffieri for transition talks.

Dugatto said after the meeting her transition is in process.”

Has she settled on any names for appointees?

We’re working on it,” she said.

As for Staffieri, he said he wants to take some time off, but that he has offers on the table” for employment in the private and public sector.

The mayor said he hoped to sit down with Dugatto before she’s sworn in.

He challenged her and the Democrats to do better than he did.

I’ve left the city in great shape,” he said. I challenge them to leave it even better.”

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