Who's Middletown's Person of Year?

On Dec. 19, Time magazine named President Barack Obama as its Person of the Year. This is the second time our commander in chief earned its top award, in 2008, when Obama took the honors for becoming the first black president of the United States.

The magazine invited votes on 40 candidates, including Barack Obama, Gabby Douglas and Kim Jong Un. Other options included The Mars Rover and the Higgs Boson Particle.

But who cares about the same-old, same-old? Who is Middletown’s Person of the Year—the man or woman who, in Timespeak, “most influenced the news this year for better or worse”?

Whether you consider philanthrophy, volunteerism, leadership, bravery, notoriety or controversy worthy characteristics of a newsmaker, who in Middletown fits the bill? 

An informal poll on Middletown Patch's Facebook page turned up some very interesting suggestions. Here's a sampling:

• Guy Russo — It took a lot of work for a long time to get Middletown connected to the Mattabasset district for our water/sewer treatment. That move, and the re-development of the South Cove area will significantly impact Middletown's future.
• Karen Nocera — She does so much for the special kids in town, partnered with MARC for Saturday mornings, unified theater, etc. She also volunteers her time with Kiwanis (who give children helmets and bike safety day) and is on the governance council at Bielefield Elementary.
• Justin Carbonella — His selfless work with the youth of our town continues to make a difference. Under his leadership and vision, many Middletown agencies worked side by side with our youth in the play, "Bigger Than You Think," to start important discussions about how we can do better by our young people. He is the perfect example of what our youth can aspire to as he was educated in the Middletown schools.
• Sebastian Giuliano — The city's former three-term Republican mayor is a longtime mentor at Macdonough Elementary School, quietly volunteers throughout the city for tasks like absentee ballot counting on Election Day, and is a mainstay at Xavier games, and other city events.

Tell us your pick — and why — in the comment section below!