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Would’ve Been There

In his May 17 letter “On Deaf Ears”, Robert Redente attempted to smooth over the inexcusable absence of mayoral challenger Sal Maltese at any of the seven Town Council budget hearings. Whether Maltese knows the budget well or not, if he actually cared about it or the people he wants to represent, he would have been there.

Our Town Council members are fair, open-minded, and responsive. Many are long-time public servants. They are far from the closed-minded individuals Mr. Redente claims. However, even if faced with “deaf ears,” a leader screams louder, holds signs, or does whatever is necessary for the cause. In not attending and speaking at a single hearing, Maltese gave the impression that he’s either lazy or a poor leader. Neither of those qualities is acceptable from someone seeking to lead this town.

However, Maltese has a habit of not showing up. In 2015, he skipped out on the only public debate of the election cycle. Following his 2015 loss, he all but disappeared for 13 months until he conveniently resurfaced this past January and announced his interest in running for mayor again.

The silence from Mr. Maltese this past budget cycle and since his loss in 2015 tells us all that we need to know. Mr. Redente can try to spin Mr. Maltese’s track record any way he likes. However, it’s obvious that on the occasions when Mr. Maltese does show up or speak, it’s strictly because its politically convenient to him.

Robert Parente

East Haven

Robert Parente is a District 1 Councilman and chair of the Republican Town Committee.