Democrats Nominate Mayor Drew for Second Term — in Absentia

The Middletown Democrats unanimously nominated Dan Drew for the city's top spot Thursday at its convention — with the mayor not in attendance, recovering from shoulder surgery.

"We have worked together to unite this community with one common voice and have led it back into an era of civility, cooperation and prosperity through increased economic growth," Drew said in a statement read to the caucus by Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta.

Reading from a list of 40 accomplishments the mayor had given him, Majority Leader and former mayor Tom Serra said, "Dan Drew has wisdom beyond his 33 years."

With Detroit becoming the biggest U.S. city to file bankruptcy just this week, Serra compared Middletown's second highest rating given to a municipality by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.

Calling him an "old soul," despite his young age, Deputy Mayor Bob Santangelo spoke for the mayor's renomination, adding he feels like he's talking to a contemporary when they discuss issues important to Middletown.

"His future is the future of Middletown," Santangelo said, citing Drew's streamlining of government and inquisitiveness. "If you like what is going on in Middletown, think Democrats because we created that," he added.

Drew's statement thanked his party for the nomination, noting what he's achieved in two years. "The lawsuits are over, we enacted a senior tax relief program, the police department has credible and competent leadership, and city hall has a new spirit of cooperation and compromise. We have reorganized government and saved the taxpayers millions of dollars."

Drew's Chief of Staff Joseph Samolis live video conferenced the entire town committee meeting on his smart phone for Drew.

And so the caucus nominated all six incumbent common council candidates: Mary Bartolotta, Gerry Daley, Grady Faulkner, Hope Kasper, Robert Santangelo and Thomas Serra, and chose Planning and Zoning commissioner Carl Chisem and former 10-year councilman James Streeto to run on the November slate.

Chairman Daniel Pickett put forth Councilman Todd Berch, who is not seeking reelection, for treasurer, which he declined. Quentin Phipps was nominated as treasurer. Phipps was also named by Pickett as a council candidate, which he declined.

While three openings were available on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the party nominated four candidates: Rob Blanchard, who serves on the Veteran's Memorial Park Committee; current commissioner Daniel Russo, and Paul Turenne, who works at Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan Professor Stephen Devoto was put up for candidacy but failed to get enough votes. He told the caucus he has covered the majority of P&Z meetings as a correspondent for the Middletown Eye and has, at least for the last five years, attended nearly every meeting.

The remainder of the slate follows.

Board of Education: Middlesex County Historical Society board member Richard Kagan, Franca Biales, who took over when Bill Grady stepped down last March; President of the North End Action Team Steven Kovach, former Councilman Vinnie Loffredo, who left in January 2011 and was replaced by Drew.

Board of Assessment Appeals: Salvatore Micciulla, who is an alternate on the Inland/Wetlands and Water Courses Agency; and newcomer Aristia Partiss, a Christian spiritualist minister, dental assistant and office manager who also helps her husband with their business Healthy USA, a nutraceutical health systems company.

Related Story

• Drew Running Unopposed; GOP's Nov. Slate Includes Ex-Mayor

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