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Politics Above Public Safety

I am writing to the editor for two reasons: to acknowledge the efforts of the mayor and Public Works Department throughout the recent blizzard and to say that I am ashamed with the way some people made this storm more about politics than public safety.

While Public Works employees worked non-stop throughout the storm, Mayor Joseph Maturo did an excellent job keeping residents up to date via Twitter, Facebook, and the media. However, certain individuals took every update offered by the mayor as an opportunity to criticize and take political cheap shots. It was inappropriate, especially given the seriousness of the situation.

The mayor did the best he could to coordinate resources in town. He had the foresight to declare a state of emergency, to call in the National Guard, and to hire private contractors to supplement the town's efforts. Unfortunately, no town in Connecticut was prepared for a blizzard of this magnitude. However, I can say that our town roads, as I write this, are still in far better shape than those of some of our neighboring towns.

It may be tough for certain critics of the mayor to acknowledge, but the fact is the mayor did a good job. No amount of political spin is going to change that.

Ted MuscoEast Haven