Democrats Question Mayor's Campaign Chair at Police Chief Press Conference

Middletown Democrats are questioning the presence of Chris Healy, campaign chairman for Republican incumbent Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano's, at the to announce the demotion and 30-day administrative leave of Acting Police Chief Patrick McMahon.

A statement released Tuesday by Daniel R. Pickett, campaign chairman for Democrat Daniel Drew, questions if politics played a role in Giuliano's decision to demote McMahon. Until this week the mayor had strongly supported McMahon and backed his efforts over the past 27 months to become chief.

"Campaign staff have no place in the official business of the city of Middletown," Pickett's statement said, "and by involving Healy in official business, Seb has shown that his only priority is re-election." 

Giuliano denied that his decision to demote McMahon and place him on administrative leave was politically motivated.

"I think I'm just trying to be consistent. Like I said, I expect directors of people who work for the city, when you're dealing with us, to tell us everything you know about a situation, not just enough to answer the question — every thing you know," he stressed. Giuliano has said he believes McMahon was not completely honest about allegations that he drank alcohol while carrying his badge and gun.

Healy on Tuesday entered the city hall conference room after the press briefing had begun and twice thanked the mayor for his remarks. Reached late Tuesday, Healy said his presence at the mayor's press conference was appropriate.

"Sitting in at a public press conference in a public building is anyone's right, including people who support Mayor Giuliano," Healy said. He also said that "Dan Drew and the Democrats have made the appointment process political from the beginning.

"This shows how silly and desperate the Democrats have become. They have no issues."

Giuliano has called for an internal police investigation into McMahon's actions. The mayor also withdrew his support of a Nov. 8 ballot initiative asking voters to approve McMahon's confirmation as chief. However on Tuesday, the city's attorney, Timothy Lynch, told town clerk Sandra Russo-Driska the question should remain on the ballot.

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