The Middletown Republican Town Committee is hosting a Straw Poll, for Republican candidates for President and US Senate on Friday, April 13, at 7 pm at the Elks' Club, 11 Maynard Street, Middletown Connecticut.
This is a fund-raiser for the MRTC. Voting will be by paper ballot, which may be purchased for $10 We are also invite Republican candidates, , and anyone interested in meeting our candidates.
Join us for a fun, social evening, with just a little campaigning.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone in Middletown that I met on the campaign trail over the past three months. As you may know, I was a Republican, first-time candidate for Common Council. Even though the ball did not bounce my way — I came up several hundred votes short — I had an outstanding experience.
While campaigning, I had the good fortune to meet some great people at the many community events that I attended as well as at the many, many homes that I visited while door-knocking.
By and large, everyone was very welcoming and I was constantly reminded of the special community that we have here in Middletown. During visits to each home, we undoubtedly caught many people in the midst of a chore or activity relative to their daily lives. I would like to express my appreciation to Middletown residents for their graciousness in receiving an impromptu visit from several candidates at one time.
More often than not, a great conversation came out of the visit. Whether they devoted 30 seconds or 30 minutes to our visits, I offer my sincere thanks to everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to speak with us.
I have always been proud of this city that I — along with my siblings, parents and grandparents — was born and raised. The campaign process served to galvanize my pride in the city and gave me the chance to learn that you love Middletown as much as I do.
I would also like to thank Mayor Giuliano and the Republican underticket for making me a part of their team. It was a pleasure to visit the Middletown residents with these individuals and every outing with the mayor was a lesson in Middletown as well as a living example of the reason why a person should seek public office. Mayor Giuliano’s love for this city is a love that is palpable; his knowledge of the city and emotion that he shows while talking about it will attest to this point.
I said earlier that I have always been proud of this community and am equally proud to have had Mayor Giuliano as my hometown’s leader for the past six years.
Now that there is a transition in our leadership, I ask those elected leaders to keep the prosperity of Middletown and its residents as a continued priority. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, we must come together and respect the outcome of the election and offer our support to Mayor-Elect Drew.
There are several issues that will develop in the next two years — the merger with the Mattabassett District, securing a tenant for the Aetna property and revitalization on Main Street’s North End, amongst others — and we need our leaders to make the right decisions that will move us forward. As an employee of the Middlesex Chamber, I look forward to still being able to work with these leaders in some capacity.
Let us all be mindful to keep Middletown first.
Matt Fraulino, 2011 Republican Common Council candidate
Dear Editors of Middletown Eye & Patch,
My name is Juan Montalvo and I am a member of several City of Middletown Commissions as well as a member of the Middletown Republican Town Committee. First and foremost, I am litigation advisor. As a litigation advisor I took an oath to uphold the law and justly serve my community. It is that dedication that leads me to write this letter. While I am sure critics will claim that this is an attempt to smear the opponent, and sling mud, I believe Middletown citizens deserve to know the true nature of Democratic candidate for mayor Dan Drew.
The facts speak for themselves and the inconsistencies in Mr. Drew’s resume should be brought to light. Although not forthright, it is not uncommon for one to show their best face when writing his or her resume and highlight his accomplishments, however; it is despicable for a person to dramatize those accomplishments to almost the point of fiction to make one seem more qualified for a particular position than is remotely plausible based on facts presented. This over dramatization of achievement to the point of false portrayal of facts is even more despicable when that person is seeking to hold such a highly esteemed public office as that of mayor of a City. Dan Drew presents awards on his resume both published on independent sites and his own website, as individual awards given only to him based on his sole merit without giving credit as those received by an entire organization. In one particular case, Drew credits himself with an award that the organization he was employed by received, but he had nothing to do with. Investigating Mr. Drew’s credentials the information below was found:
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From: Ginger Stanley [mailto:GingerS@vpa.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 9:30 AM
Subject: RE: Virginia Press Association Awards
I can confirm that Daniel Drew was among a team of reporters that won a first place award in 2004 for a multi-story series on the armed siege of a middle school. This was a team effort at the newspaper (Potomac News). Second place award in 2003, football stars dies in shooting, sports news coverage was also a team project at the Potomac News. Our search did not turn up anything with his name on it for 2005, although Potomac News won a first place for 'staff' for sports pages but I have no way of confirming that Daniel was a part of this staff award. We do not have any records on the Media General awards, Donna Reed at 804-649-6000 may be able to help you. Hope this helps.
Ginger Stanley, Executive Director
Virginia Press Association
11529 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
804-521-7575 Phone
804-521-7586 Fax
gingers@vpa.net E-Mail
www.vpa.net www.HeadlineVA.com www.VAPublicNotice.com
And more:
From: Donna Reed, Media General Communications Holdings, LLC,
Sent: October 28, 2011 2:10 PM
Subject: RE: Media General Awards
"These were in-house recognitions that were handed out on a monthly basis at one of the small northern Virginia community newspapers owned by Media General. Mr. Drew was given honorable mention in October 2003 for a local sports story."
Donna Reed
Media General, Inc
Richmond, VA 23219
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 2:45 PM
To: Ginger Stanley
Cc: Kim Woodward; Caroline Cardwell
Subject: Virginia Press Association Awards
Good afternoon,
I am hoping that you could assist me in some research. A gentleman by the name of Daniel (Dan) T. Drew is running for mayor of our City of Middletown, Connecticut; he is a relative newcomer to our fair city, residing in town less than 5 years, and there is a lot of curiosity about him.
In his bio, he stated that he is the recipient of 3 separate journalistic awards from your organization, and I was hoping that you could confirm information. Since an exhaustive search via the internet has failed to reveal any articles published under his name, I hope you could please shed some light on our search. These are the award years and honors he claims:
Awards and Honors:
* Virginia Press Association, 2005, 1st Place award
* Virginia Press Association, 2004, 2nd Place award
* Virginia Press Association, 2003, 1st Place award
Won several writing awards for reporting on the Washington sniper murders, serial killer John Allen Muhammad's life in jail, the armed siege of a middle school by a teenaged boy, and dozens of murders. Wrote an award winning investigative series about corruption in a county sheriff's office that lead to that official's election loss and indictment.
Additionally, these other honors are listed as well; however an internet search has not even resulted in any information about the awarding entity. Is this anything that you are familiar with?
* Media General Mega Award Honorable Mention, 2003
* Media General Mega Award Honorable Mention, 2003
* Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation, 1998 Harcourt Scholar
Would you please help....? Thank you.
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Dan Drew appeared on the Bill O’Reiley tv show in 2002 claiming to stand for the First Amendment. However, where was Dan Drew when BOE Chair Ted Radzka pulled the plug literally on the microphone when Ed McKeon was speaking at a public session several months ago? Where was Dan Drew when Councilmen Santangelo, Serra, and Councilwoman Kasper walked out on a member of the public who was addressing the Public Safety Committee during a public session only weeks ago? How is it that such an esteemed award winning investigative journalist, and self-proclaimed free speech advocate, Drew failed Middletown in not doing what he himself has professed as his crowning achievements- finding & exposing the the truth in government and standing up for free speech? How is it that Mr. Drew expects Middletown citizens to believe he was such a fantastical investigative reporter when he in fact was primarily a SPORTS writer & provided occasional coverage of the police blotter at the time that some of these awards were given? Middletown should not want a bystander for a mayor.
It is of my opinion, as they say in the courtroom, that the preponderance of the evidence shows that Dan Drew is not a champion of the truth if he cannot be truthful on his own resume. Dan Drew cannot be a team player in the political arena and bring “transparency & communication” back between the BOE and the City & and the City and the citizens if he cannot be honest about being on a team that received journalistic awards rather than trying stretch the facts to boost his ego and pad his resume. Failure to recognize reality and be honest with one’s self-let alone the public is not a quality Middletown should want in a mayor.
Dan Drew’s Resume: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldrew
Sincerely Juan Montalvo, Litigation Advisor & Middletown Republican Town Committee member.
To the editor:
I am writing to urge all Middletown voters to vote for the entitre GOP slate of candidates on Nov. 8. I would like to share my thoughts on what makes the following candidates uniquely qualified to serve: Joe Bibisi + Phil Pessina. Both have served on the Common Council for a long time. Both have a lot of experience – something that Middletown needs and deserves in its elected officials. Ed Dypa, Matt Fraulino + Linda Salafia. All three are hard-working and eager to serve the people of Middletown as Common Council members. I urge you, the voter, to give them all a chance to serve you. Callie Grippo , Cheryl McLellan + Alex Levin. All three would bring a spirit of collaboration to the Board of Education. All three are dedicated to seeing that the children of Middletown have the best education possible and will not lose sight of the fact that the children are the Board of Education’s top priority. Ken McLellan, Fred Terrasi + Molly Salafia. All four will work hard as members of Planning and Zoning. Each has the dedication and work ethic required to be productive and impartial. Ronald Borrelli + Corrine Dorsey. Both are very capable and intelligent people who will make sure that whatever they undertake will be done and done well. Laura Gionfriddo. A hard worker and highly competent, Laura can always be counted on to do whatever is asked of her. William Gregorio. Another hard-worker who I am sure will do his best to do his job to the best of his abilities.
Again, I urge everyone to support our entire GOP slate on Nov. 8.
Lea Tomaszewski
Candidate profiles: as a courtesy The Middletown Eye will publish candidate profiles unedited in the order received. There are few people running for Common Council that understand finances and government like Linda Salafia. Salafia said, “ I believe that my experience working for the City will allow me to bring an understanding of how the various departments function to the table. I would like to believe that I’m prudent, realistic, and practical.”
Born in Maine, Linda came to Connecticut with her parents because of the better economic climate here at the time; her dad taught school in Portland for many years and her mom worked at Wesleyan. Linda graduated from Portland High School and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Vermont. During college vacations and summer, she worked for Mallove Jewelers on Main Street, where she met her husband of 31 years. The Salafia family will be busy this fall as daughter, Molly, is running for the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission.
Linda worked as a psychiatric aide at the Institute of Living in Hartford for several years. After earning a Certificate of Accounting from Morse School of Business, Linda then took a book keeping job with Joe Cartelli, Ed Bogdan, and Bob Curtain at the former Insurance and Real Estate Center.
In 1987, Linda started work with the City of Middletown in the Tax Collector’s office, then several positions in the Finance Department before moving to the position of Payroll/Pension Supervisor 13 years ago. Linda retires this Spring.
Linda has been very active in her union and has been elected to serve in various leadership capacities for the American Federation of State, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 466 whom are also endorsing Linda. She is currently Vice President of the Local. Salafia has been part of bargaining negotiations over the years and understands the need for balance and respect on both sides of the table.
Linda is a member of Polish Falcons, Nest 519 and the Family Campers and Rvers’- a group that promotes conservation, family recreation, and volunteerism.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/votesalafiawomen/
http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2011/09/26/opinion/doc4e7d0520625ce409788066.txt
http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2011/07/28/opinion/doc4e30873a383d5810813878.txt
Planning and Zoning Candidate: Molly Salafia, Associate AIA, LEED GA (R) & Realistic Balance
Molly Salafia brings a strong professional background to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Salafia is an architectural designer and job captain at an architectural firm in New Haven. She believes everyone deserves a safe place to live and it should be a right, not a privilege.
“My goal is to open people’s minds and to challenge preconceived ideas so that Middletown can grow.”, said Salafia, who has a Master’s Degree in Architecture, and minors in Visual Arts & Art & Architectural History from Roger Williams University.
“I hope my training and experience will be helpful to smart growth and prosperity for Middletown.”
Salafia wants to preserve open space in Middletown, work on a plan to develop the riverfront that engages residents in a dedicated public space, and bring the right kind of development to the riverfront area. Salafia wants to preserve the nostalgia and vitality of Main Street, but also help spread that vitality to other parts of town. Molly believes that the only way to keep Middletown economically sound for all residents is to let new companies know “Middletown is open for business.”
Molly also serves of the Design Review and Historic Preservation Board for Middletown.
She has served as Chapter President of the American Institute of Architecture Students and is recipient of the Alpha Rho Chi Medal, given to 1 student in every graduating architecture class. Salafia is certified in Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Associate. Molly is also an active member of Middletown Kiwanis Club, a club dedicated to community service. This fall Molly is taking on politics following in her relatives’, former Councilman Jesse Salafia & the late Phil Salafia’s foot steps.
Along the campaign trail, Molly & Linda have organized MRTC’s collection of items for Catales, Amazing Grace, and the group’s participation in CROP Walk. Molly grew up at her parents’ home in South Middletown and now enjoys living in the Village District in her own fixer-upper. Molly is thrilled to be cross endorsed by the Realistic Balance Party.
Questions to Molly can be directed to: molly.salafia@gmail.com
Salafia has published several pieces in local media outlets as well including the Press & Eye further detailing her goals & beliefs about the "Third Industrial Revolution" if elected:
http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2011/08/last-from-pencil.html
The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors.
I am seeking my second term on the Common Council to continue to grow Middletown and to put the focus on solving problems as a community rather than based upon partisan politics, I am focused on what needs to be done and how to get it done efficiently and effectively.
During my first term on the Common Council I pushed for an audit of the Board of Education finances, worked to improve employee relations, helped to create an Emergency Operations Center, and facilitated the construction of an emergency access road at Middletown High School.
I am a native of Middletown and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. My parents are Beverly Talbot (Dionne) and Daniel Kleckowski. I have two younger siblings Gailyn and Brenda. I am a proud mother of twin boys. I am currently an Adjunct Instructor at Middlesex Community College. I am seeking a second term as a member of the Common Council and it will be an honor to serve on the Council and represent the citizens of Middletown for a second term.
My professional career has been dedicated to advocacy and to the betterment of communities. I have also been a member of service organizations. I am committed to the taxpayers of the City of Middletown to pursue ideas and to implement policies that are beneficial to the community today and tomorrow. Long-term planning is the key to sustainable economic success and to ensure an exceptional quality of life in Middletown and for its residents.
I serve on the following Council committees:
Citizen’s Advisory Committee
Public Safety
Personnel Review
Insurance and Claims
Issues: It is a priority to ensure the safety of the residents of Middletown, especially our children. I initiated an emergency access road, which is currently under construction, at Middletown High School. I work to ensure a fair labor environment and the heath safety, and general well-being of the community.
Taxes and the economy are in the forefront of issues of urgency. It is essential that the City develop long range plans to address attrition and how to continue to incorporate technology into the application of services. Incorporating technology will improve services; provide residents the opportunity to conduct business outside the traditional business hours and save the taxpayers money. I also want to continue to grow the business community and to ensure Middletown is a business friendly community.
Previous Experience: I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I made the recommendation to hold a planning meeting and a zoning meeting to provide better service to the public and to more efficiently address both planning and zoning issues.
I have worked on mayoral, gubernatorial, state representative and Secretary of the State campaigns. I was appointed to serve on commissions including the New Britain Youth Services Commission and the New Britain Health Commission and served as Chairman.
Education: Eastern Connecticut State University-Bachelor of Sociology and Applied Social Relations. Central Connecticut State University-Advanced Certificate in Business Management. Wesleyan University-Master of Arts in Liberal Science.
Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance.
Kleckoski's statement's were featured in this previous Eye article : Councilwoman Seeks Termination of BOE Business Manager Nancy Haynes featured one year ago this November.
The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors.
Fred Terrasi brings solid experience to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He has spent many years giving back to the City of Middletown in official capacities and as a volunteer.
“I will work to bring the right kind of development to Middletown, said Terrasi, “Working together in a proactive fashion will lead to the best results for Middletown in the future.”
Terrasi is serving his fifth year as a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission, a key panel towards understanding rules and the demands development places on a community.
He had held numerous positions helping the community- former President of the Italian American Civic Order, President of the Holy Name Society and a President and Commissioner of the Middletown Youth League.
Terrasi has also served as co-chair of an annual fundraiser which benefits “Amazing Grace Food Pantry.”
Terrasi earned his Associate’s Degree in Business from Middlesex Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut State University. Terrasi, now in semi-retirement is a consultant to Pratt & Whitney. He is also a member of the Middletown Elks. Terrasi and his wife of 40 years have one son.
