Posted by Bob on February 27, 2009 under Daily Blogs | 
Our second debate at City Hill Middle School on Thursday night was a lot of fun and for a good cause. The debate was organized to raise funds for City Hill and Hillside students who will visiting Washington D.C. this spring. Thank you to all those who attended the debate for the generous contributions made throughout the evening.
Special thanks to the moderator, Attorney Dave Heller, and all the students who asked questions during the debate. It is amazing how young people understand the problems and concerns facing Naugatuck and want to play a positive role in shaping our future. The City Hill and Hillside students who participated in drafting and asking questions did a fantastic job. The quality of their education and skill of their teachers is evident in their ideas, composure and knowledge.
I congratulate my opponents who participated in the debate. Discussions were cordial and issue-oriented. I believe our collective performance served as an example to the students in attendance that politics and public service can be conducted in a positive manner. Someday those students who drafted and asked the questions Thursday night will be leaders in our community. Hopefully our debate serves to increase their interest in Naugatuck and the value of public service.
With the March 9, 2009, primaries only ten days away, this week’s debates gave voters the opportunity to examine candidates’ qualifications, hear our positions on the issues, and see how each candidate can articulate their individual plans and vision for our community. Thanks again to all who attended.
Posted by Bob on February 24, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
I thoroughly enjoyed last night’s debate and would like to thank the Citizen’s News, Waterbury Republican-American and Naugatuck Historical Society for organizing the forum. Special thanks is reserved, however, for the Portuguese American Club for the best “save” of the campaign season.
With the Historical Society Museum filled beyond its capacity, last night’s debate was in danger of being canceled for safety code reasons. Burgess Mindy Fragoso along with Floyd and Mariana Barnes acted with lightening speed to relocate the debate to the Portuguese American Club. Within approximately twenty minutes, the debate was continued, with the overwhelming majority of people there to see it.
I congratulate my opponent Kevin Knowles on his performance and for continuing our pre-election commitment to run clean campaigns. While Kevin and I have disagreements on certain issues, we are both aware that Naugatuck Democrats as well as all voters do not deserve to be subject to a campaign of mudslinging and negativity.
The main topic of debate between Kevin and I was the use of technology in improving government efficiency and communication. Kevin correctly cites that not every citizen has access to the internet. I imagine the same was said of the telephone at the turn of the nineteenth century. While Naugatuck government must do a better job of communicating using several mediums, ignoring technology and the benefits of it use would be shortsighted and detrimental to open government.
The concept that technology or using the internet has anything to do with age is divisive and inaccurate. People of all ages use the internet to email, shop for bargains and read news about a variety of topics. If seniors living at the Conrad Street, Weid Drive or Osborn Road housing complexes do not have internet access to communicate with faraway relatives or learn about Washington proposals that concern health care on the internet, than shame on us as a government. That is something that can be changed quickly and with minimal cost to local government.
Despite our issue-oriented and relatively minor differences, I believe Kevin and I made Naugatuck Democrats proud with our performances last evening. I consider Kevin a gentleman and a friend.
The Republican debate that followed, however, left me disappointed and a bit frustrated. From the start, the tone was antagonistic and at times hostile. Substantive debate about critical issues was sacrificed to personal animosities between the two candidates. This, coming from a Republican party that has delivered Naugatuck citizens six straight tax increases and no fundamental changes to our government, does not represent real change.
Most disturbing to me was Republican attempts to politicize the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation (NEDC). I have not only been involved with the NEDC since its creation, but helped to form the organization as a Burgess and Deputy Mayor during the Taf Administration.
The fundamental principal of the NEDC is that politics has no place in working for positive economic development in the Borough. The NEDC is a bi-partisan, not-for-profit corporation comprised of representatives from the public, private and non-profit sectors. Listening to the two Republican candidates use the NEDC to criticize one another was distasteful to me and many who know its history. I have my thoughts on which candidate initiated this nonsense, but the overriding reality is that it has to end.
One of the first calls I made when announcing to run for mayor was to Mike Bronko. I informed him that no matter what our differences would be on the issues, he had my support as the Vice-Chair of the NEDC on our collective efforts to attract and retain business in the Borough of Naugatuck. I will continue to honor that pledge. Other communities have suffered when allowing economic development efforts to become political. Naugatuck can not afford to suffer such a fate.
Hopefully Republicans will turn away from this divisiveness during Thursday’s debate, and help to explain to taxpayers why no fundamental improvements have been made to our local government during their six years in power.
Thursday’s (2/26/2009) debate will take place at City Hill Middle School beginning at 7:00 PM. The debate will also serve as a fundraiser to assist the parents faculty groups of City Hill and Hillside Middle Schools defer costs for students attending their upcoming field trip to Washington, D.C. We look forward to seeing you there.
Posted by Bob on February 22, 2009 under Daily Blogs, Events |
Monday marks the two week countdown to the primary on March 9, 2009, and also the beginning of a busy week. In addition to preparing for primary day, there will be two debates this week, beginning on Monday, February 23, 2009, at the Historical Society Museum on Water Street. Democratic mayoral candidates will debate from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with the Republicans to follow from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The debate is jointly sponsored by the Waterbury Republican-American and the Citizen’s News.
Later this week, there will be a debate on Thursday, February 26, 2009, at City Hill Middle School. The debate is being coordinated to benefit the parent school groups of City Hill and Hillside Middle School. It will begin at 7:00 PM, and be moderated by Board of Education Member David Heller, Esq. Some of the questions will be drafted by students. More details regarding the format will follow.
During these critical times, it is important that voters know where candidates stand on the issues. This coming week will provide this opportunity. Thanks to all who are responsible for organizing the upcoming debates.
Posted by Bob on February 19, 2009 under Daily Blogs, Events |
Thank you to all friends new and old who attended our voter meet-and-greet at Giuseppe’s Italian Pizzeria on Tuesday night. It was a great opportunity to talk with so many new voters and discuss their concerns, hopes and dreams for a better Naugatuck.
As always, Scott Dudas and the entire Giuseppe’s staff did an outstanding job accomodating so many people in a standing-room-only crowd. The food and hospitality was 
what we have come to expect from Giuseppe’s, which has been contributing to the Naugatuck community for nineteen years. In addition to supporting numerous community groups and youth sports teams over the years, Giuseppe’s serves delicious pizza and other outstanding dishes at more than reasonable prices.
Our 
campaign sincerely enjoys meeting and working with people who are new to the political process. If you were unable to attend but interested in learning more about our campaign or the many volunteer opportunities, please feel free to call (203-729-6271) or email (bob@bobmezzo.com) us at your convenience.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Posted by Bob on February 17, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
A mayoral candidate debate has been scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2009, at the Naugatuck Historical Society Museum (railroad station) on Water Street. Democratic candidates will debate from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with Republican candidates following at 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. More details to follow.
Posted by Bob on February 13, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
Elections should be about choosing a candidate who best represents a voter’s hopes and dreams. Unfortunately campaigns often play to a voter’s fears as a way to win support.
2008 was a historic year in American political history culminating in voters electing our Nation’s first African-American president in Barack Obama. Despite many criticisms of then-candidate Obama ranging from his religious background to his relative inexperience all the way to the fact that he had a “funny name”, Americans chose their hope and dreams over their fears and elected Barack Obama as our forty-third president.
Here in Naugatuck we are poised to turn the page on the problems of our past and begin to write a new chapter to the Borough’s proud history. To do so we must have faith in our hopes and dreams.
Our campaign offers voters the opportunity to learn about my background, my qualifications and my positions on the issues. We have articulated a vision of how we can come together and begin to positively change our community. In addition, we have provided many ways that voters can interact with our campaign, ask comments and offer solutions to Naugatuck’s problems.
We are interested in Naugatuck’s hopes and dreams. One would be surprised as to how the things that unite us far outweigh our divisions. People who spend a few minutes to share their concerns are not asking for local government to solve all their problems, only to act in an intelligent, efficient and honest manner. They wonder why taxes continue to increase, what is happening to lure new business or how their children will get a quality education with dwindling resources. Despite what appears to be a government that has failed us, voters still maintain the hope that Naugatuck can still be the community we have always dreamed it could be with a little focus and the right leadership. I personally enjoy talking with and listening to my fellow citizens speak about improving Naugatuck.
Not every campaign operates like ours. Some campaigns will look to play to voters’ fears rather than inspire hope or discuss solutions. Developing networks of political patronage has unfortunately been a part of politics for a long time. Old style campaigning is predicated on politicians doing “favors” for people in exchange for votes.
Some candidates still subscribe to this philosophy. Under the premise, individual voters owe everything they have in life to a politician and should provide support to that politician accordingly. If an individual fails to support the politician, that individual will be subject to the politician’s wrath after the election. Since the politician views government in the context of give and take, issues and core beliefs take a back seat to political posturing and expediency. Under this stale philosophy, attempts to woe voters is not accomplished by talking about ideas and solutions; but by identifying people as homogeneous groups and assuming all members of a particular group better fall in line behind the politician that they “owe”.
The sad part about prying on people’s fears in this manner is the lack of respect for the individual voter. People who have achieved success in life do so in large part as a result of their own actions and choices. No one in Naugatuck has been given anything that they have not earned through hard work, intelligence and individual talent. The concept that an individual received a job, was appointed to a commission or was recognized with an award as a result of a king-maker candidate or political boss is an anachronism that has no place in finding solutions to the problems of our day.
The time has never been better to make the changes we need to improve Naugatuck. I urge all voters to learn as much as possible about the candidates running to be the head of a ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR-PLUS corporation that is the Borough of Naugatuck. Vote this coming election for the candidate with the best credentials, qualifications and plans to make a better Naugatuck. Naugatuck voters do not owe anything to politicians. On the contrary, it is the responsibility of all candidates to convince you why you should support one candidate over the others.
Your hopes and dreams are too important to vote any other way.
Posted by Bob on February 11, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
Campaign signs are available and being located all around Naugatuck. Show your support for Team Mezzo by hosting a lawn sign, big or small, at your home. Please email (bob@bobmezzo.com) or call (203-729-6271) the campaign and one of our many volunteers will deliver the sign to your home. Please include your preference for a big or small sign.
Posted by Bob on February 7, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
While the Internet has revolutionized the ability of political campaigns to communicate, there is still no better way to meet voters than good, old-fashioned door knocking. I have been door-knocking for the past few weeks, and intend to continue doing so throughout the campaign. Meeting Naugatuck residents on their doorsteps has been a critical part of all my campaigns over the years, and this election will be no exception.
Days like today remind us that, despite a long and cold Winter, spring will come. The coming of spring brings more daylight, an important necessity to our door knocking endeavors.
I look forward to meeting as many Naugatuck citizens as possible over the coming months. Your questions, concerns and insight are very important to me during these difficult times. If you would like me to come to your neighborhood or know some of your neighbors who would like more information about our campaign, please feel free to contact me and I will adjust my door knocking schedule to accommodate.
Posted by Bob on February 2, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
With the primary only five weeks away, rumblings have been made by members of both Democratic and Republican voters as to whether or not there will be any debates prior to March 9, 2009. I have always maintained a policy to debate anyone at anytime possible.
Being elected to the office of mayor is not a birth-right to be bestowed upon an individual as a lifetime achievement award. Naugatuck’s next mayor will be in command of a ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR-PLUS corporation in the midst of desperate financial times facing difficult decisions. Voters of both parties need the opportunity to have as much information as possible with regard to a candidate’s qualifications, life experiences and positions on the issues.
I have articulated my position in great detail on this blog and in other forums. While voters may not agree with me on every issue, they have a right to know what I believe. Our campaign values and respects different view points, and we realize that real change will only come through healthy dialogue and debate. This is how I would govern.
My opponent has been conspicuously silent regarding his stand on the issues. While I respect his commitment to Naugatuck, all voters have heard is how much money was brought to Naugatuck during his big money days in the 1980’s, and how he will work with his friends in the state legislature to assist Naugatuck financially during the worse financial crisis facing the State of Connecticut since the enactment of the income tax in 1991. While I am sure legislative leaders will work with whomever becomes Naugatuck’s next mayor, it is time Naugatuck stopped waiting for a handout from Hartford and began to enact real reform here at home. I have a plan to do so, and want to talk with as many citizens as possible to gain their valuable input.
The choices and challenges facing Naugatuck are far too important not to be informed as to where your candidates stand on the issues. Alexis de Tocqueville once said, “In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.” I believe Naugatuck deserves the very best. Let’s debate.
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