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No Longer Any Hope

First off this letter is by no means a reflection on the qualifications of Matthew Marcarelli, the newly appointed East Haven fire chief. He had an outstanding career in New Haven, retiring last September as the acting chief and hopefully he will be accepted by the members of the East Haven Fire Department (EHFD).

My concern is where is the future motivation of the ranking members of the EHFD who had eyes on the big chair? There were applicants right within the department who are well qualified to be chief. Yes, not all ranking members applied, but one has to ask: Why not? Why didn’t they apply? Those who did were as qualified as Marcarelli, but were passed over.

Those passed over will finish their careers having no hope for further advancement. When you appoint from within, all ranks could be affected and have a chance to advance. That will not happen now.

Yes, the positions of fire chief and police chief are appointments made by the mayor and serve under his pleasure. Once in, they can’t be removed without just cause and are protected by state statute from political interference or firing.

What excuse could Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., give for not choosing from within? Would he tell the applicants they weren’t qualified enough to be chief? What made Matt Marcarelli the better choice? Will the EHFD members continue to study for advancement in hopes of climbing the ladder, so to speak? Or, have they now resigned themselves to the fact that there is no longer any hope under this mayor?

Sal Maltese

East Haven

Sal Maltese is a mayoral candidate seeking Democratic Party endorsement for the November election.