Opinion: The Democratic "Old Guard", Part I

The following is Part I of a series of observations about our city's politics, by John Milardo. Milardo is a retired Middletown City employee of the Parks Department.  He currently serves on the city's Pension Board.  He regularly publishes his opinions in a newsletter entitled "And Justice For All."  This is excerpted from his latest edition.
------------------------
Middletown has a history of being a very Democratic town.  Until recently, the Democratic Town Committee (DTC) was historically, “old guard” democrats.  Many of the Councilmembers and mayor’s cronies were on the DTC, which ensured them nominations every election.

Very rarely would the old guard allow new blood into the DTC to run for political office.  The old guard had their collective grips wrapped around the throats of democratic voters.

Same old people for every election.

That dramatically changed this past year when new Democratic voices held a coup of the DTC and replaced the old blood with new.  A new progressive slate took control of the DTC, much to the chagrin of those removed.  That’s why there are four, originally five, Democrats vying for the mayoral position this election year.  Thrown off the DTC were Robert Santangelo, and Mayor Daniel T. Drew, as well as many of their supporters and Gerry Daley’s supporters.

Gerry was not removed from the DTC, that’s why it is very hard to understand why such a devoted Party man went rogue and joined forces with someone other than the endorsed slate.  I have confidence the readers will be able to figure that one out after viewing his article.

A primary will be held on September 10, 2019 to choose a democratic mayoral candidate.  I don’t ever remember these many candidates, Democratic or Republican, running for the mayoral seat.  Democrats for mayor are Mary Bartolotta, Geen Thazmapallath, Ben Floreshiem and William Russo.  Of these four, Russo is the only one connected to the old guard.  His connections to the old guard run deep as do the monetary connections.

Mr. Russo is the Director of the Public Works department for the City of Middletown. He doesn’t make a move without the old guard’s knowledge and their approval.  They convinced him to run for mayor, so they could stay in power.

Why would Gerry Daley, Robert Santangelo, or Dan Drew want Russo to run?  Because they would be able to control him.  These three have hitched their wagons to Russo in an attempt to keep the power.  All four of these individuals love to wield their power.

Bill owes them because they gave him the directorship of the Public Works department.  I say “gave” because in my opinion he never earned it.  Mr. Russo went from the street sign maker for the Public Works department to the Director.  How?

---------------

Tomorrow, in Part II, Milardo explains how Mr. Russo went from street sign maker for the Public Works department to the Director.
---------
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author and should not be construed as fact of advice.  The author is a lifelong Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinion as such.  The opinion and commentary do not reflect of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects commentary and opinions which the author wishes to share with his friends.