Scarrozzo Encourages Dems To Switch Parties

Editor's note.  Democratic Registrar of Voters notes that after Monday's Common Council meeting "7 or 8" voters had switched affiliation out of the Democratic Party.  However, Faraci noted that an official count is not kept.


From Matthew Scarrozzo, Middletown Republican Town Chairman

When government stops working then it`s up to the citizens to stand up and loudly declare that they have had enough. That is what I am encouraging Middletown voters to do. As Middletown Republican Chairman this may sound self serving however I assure you it is not. Middletown voters are and have been thoughtful voters and have voted beyond party lines. I truly believe that voters select candidates based upon quality, not party affiliation.

However after Monday night`s Common Council debacle regarding the appointment process for Chief of Police and Deputy Chief, our community needs to stand up and say that enough is enough. Good government is not to obstruct progress, even more so when it`s involving public safety. Good government respects the boundaries set forth between Executive and Legislative roles. Good government requires individual objective deliberations on what is best for the Community. None of that occurred this past Monday night. A block of seven democrats worked in tandem to vote down acting Chief Patrick McMahon and acting Deputy Gregory Sneed. Two members of the Council, Klattenberg and Streeto read from prepared statements. Clearly minds were made up in caucus and the five hours of grilling questions with total disrespect serving no purpose whatsoever. The process they complain about is a prerogative of the Mayor (whoever takes the seat of the position of Mayor republican or democrat) not the Legislative body. The problem with these Council members is that they take for granted the overwhelming number of registered democrats in this town. we have seen for years the growing apathy presented by the democratic party when it comes to the business of the City. With a 4 to 1 margin perhaps they can afford to be so self assured. Perhaps they feel that a year from, people will forget how they have acted as obstructionists and do what comes natural, vote the party line.

I am asking registered democrats that are fed up with the antics of the local party to join the movement to " Change your Party". I am not asking you to become Republicans, switch to Unaffiliated, Green Party whatever- even temporarily. We need to send a sign that the local democratic party has got to check their egos and work with other elected groups for the benefit of all the tax payers of Middletown, not just those who are tied to the DTC (Democratic Town Committee). Tell this group of elected officials that the days of party line voting is going to stop and that each individual elected member will be held accountable for his/her own actions. Perhaps, just maybe if the local elected officials don`t take party affiliation for granted they will work in a bi-partisan fashion; they will open up their minds to new ideals and will welcome what we need the most-changes in government that put the people first. Washington may not be "getting it" but locally we can register our voices more loudly, more frequently and WELL in advance of the Municipal elections.

Voter Registration change forms can be found in the Registrar of voters Office located in the basement of the municipal building, 245 Dekoven Drive. "Change your Party" drives will also be conducted at various places within the community.