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11/01/2017 08:00 AMLeadership has many forms. Mayor Joseph Maturo prides himself on his fiscal record and, by that standard alone, he has certainly been an effective leader. However, he has also been an effective leader in a number of other important respects.
In 2012, in response to allegations by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Mayor Maturo made the decision to compromise with the DOJ. The decision was difficult and even unpopular in some circles. However, throughout the compliance process, he gave our department the tools to move forward. It has since gained national recognition. Additionally, following the departure of former police chief Brent Larrabee, Mayor Maturo promoted Ed Lennon to chief, who has proven to be an exceptional, thoughtful police executive.
Earlier this year, Mayor Maturo recruited New Haven’s former acting fire chief Matt Marcarelli to succeed Doug Jackson as East Haven’s fire chief. Since arriving, Chief Marcarelli has been a progressive and responsible department head. Mayor Maturo deserves credit for recruiting him.
And in 2013, when a twin-engine plane unexpectedly crashed into two homes on Charter Oak Avenue, Mayor Maturo led emergency crews, consoled victims’ families, and participated in vigils. Similarly, following Superstorm Sandy and the Blizzard of 2015, he worked with state officials and called in the National Guard to preserve peace and protect residents’ property. Some might argue that any municipal leader would have done the same in both instances. I disagree. Not everyone excels in those types of situations and the mayor’s experience as an emergency responder and long-time mayor paid dividends in both cases.
Mayor Maturo has demonstrated himself to be both an effective fiscal watch dog and a sound, compassionate leader during difficult times. He deserves to be re-elected this year.
Ken McKay
East Haven
Republican Ken McKay is seeking re-election to the Town Council representing District 1.