Posted by Bob on May 27, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
Several vacancies exist with regard to various Borough Boards and Commissions. In our ongoing effort to reform local government, our administration will support Burgesses’ requests to receive more information about the individuals for whom Burgesses are asked to vote at Borough Board meetings. Such information will allow us to analyze credentials and qualifications before proposing candidates for open positions.
We strongly welcome anyone interesting in serving our local government. Anyone wishing to be considered should should submit a letter and resume electronically to Administrative Secretary Nancy DiMeo at ndimeo@naugatuck-ct.gov, or by mail to Naugatuck Town Hall, Attention Ms. Nancy DiMeo, 229 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770. The letter should include name, address, phone numbers, areas of interest and political affiliation.
Posted by Bob on May 20, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
The first two days of our administration have been exciting and eventful. My very first hours in the mayor’s office were spent with Naugatuck High School Advanced Placement History student Kaleb Barrett, who in addition to being my neighbor, was assigned to shadow me as part of Mr. Kirkby’s student government program. Kaleb was great company and very understanding while I was learning such simple tasks as how to log-on to my computer, how to use the phone system, and most importantly, where to find a cup of coffee. Much thanks to all the department heads who participated, particularly Deputy Fire Chief Ken Hanks who conducted the orientation. It was a great way to start our administration.
As promised during the campaign, instruction was given on Day One to halt all further work at the Gunntown Property. While we realize that this has been a controversial issue, it is now time to move forward with protecting passive open space and addressing the serious need for active recreational space in a constructive manner. We look forward to working with all those who have been passionate advocates on both sides of this issue. We can move beyond “either/or” scenarios and work together toward solutions that benefit open space advocates and sports enthusiasts.
Negotiations will begin on a variety of levels this week with regard to unresolved collective bargaining contracts. There are no simple solutions to finding the right balance between protecting taxpayers from further distress and providing our hard-working Borough employees with a good wage for a good days work. All I can promise is that a new era of respect and civility will be extended from our administration to all bargaining units as we move forward together.
The Renaissance Place project is moving forward with much promise and continuity regardless of the change in administrations. Much of Day Two was spent in Hartford discussing the status of the project on all levels with our fantastic legislative delegation: State Senators Joseph Crisco, Jr. and Joan Hartley; and State Representatives David Labriola and Rosa Rebimbas. We would like to personally thank Conroy Development Vice President of Operations Michael L. O’Connor, Esquire, for his on-going assistance and professionalism during the transition period and first few days of our administration. His participation in today’s discussions was insightful and extremely valuable.
This blog will undergo changes in the coming weeks to transform from a forum that has discussed many aspects of the recent campaign into a site providing access to information regarding our local government. As my personal site and domain name, I look forward to using the blog as a way to increase communication with residents and increase transparency within our administration. While the blog will in no way reflect the opinions of the Borough of Naugatuck, it will work to comply with all aspects of Freedom of Information Act law and intent. From time to time, we will include updates on the “First Hundred Days” goals discussed previously.
We look forward to your questions, comments, ideas and continuing interest in all things Naugatuck.
Posted by Bob on May 19, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
Thank you to the many individuals who helped to plan, participate and attend the swearing-in
ceremony Monday evening. The family-oriented theme and overwhelming support from the community was a great way to start our administration. With our first day in office now complete, we look forward with energy and purpose to addressing the important issues facing our community and working together to find solutions.
Please see some great pictures courtesy of Zoning Commissioner Joe Savarese.
Posted by Bob on May 18, 2009 under Daily Blogs, Events |
The following is the program for tonight’s swearing-in ceremony to take place on the Town Green:
6:00 P.M. Picnic on the Green with complimentary food and beverage. Entertainment by the Naugatuck Community Band, Naugatuck High School Chamber Singers and magic by “The Amazing Tyler”. A bouncy house will be available for younger citizens.
7:30 P.M. Program Begins: Master of Ceremonies – Johnna Hunt and Michele Russell
- Invocation – Pastor Robert Butkus, Christ the King Church
- Pledge of Allegiance – Ally and Jay Mezzo
- National Anthem – song by Lisa Antrum accompanied by the Naugatuck Community
Band
- Recognition of Honored Guests – Johnna Hunt and Michele Russell
- Honored Speakers
- State Representative David Labriola
- State Representative Rosa Rebimbas
- State Senator Joan Hartley
- State Senator Joseph Crisco
- State Treasure Denise Nappier
- State Comptroller Nancy Wyman
- Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
- United States Representative Rosa DeLauro
- Introdution of Mayor-Elect and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz – Mayor Joan B. Taf
- Oath of Office – Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz
- Inaugural Address – Mayor Bob Mezzo
- Stars and Stripes Forever – Performed by Naugatuck Community Band
- Benediction – Father Eureko – Our Lady of Fatima Church
Posted by Bob on May 17, 2009 under Events |
Our swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday, May 18, 2009, at approximately 7:30 P.M. A detailed program will be listed tomorrow on the blog.

Photo courtesy www.towngreens.com
Festivities will begin on the Green as we celebrate families in Naugatuck with a town-wide picnic beginning at 6:00 P.M. The event will include complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, chips and soda. A magician, clown and bouncy house will be available for young citizens. In addition, musical entertainment will be provided by the Naugatuck Community Band and Naugatuck High School Chamber Singers.
We encourage all to attend and look forward to seeing you there.
Posted by Bob on May 8, 2009 under Daily Blogs, Events |

Iwo Jima Flag Raising
The most dangerous thing I do every day is drive my minivan from our driveway onto the road. For many of us we are able to perform such mundane tasks in our daily lives because of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have fought to protect the basic freedoms which we too often take for granted.
The first official event of our administration after the swearing-in ceremony will be to host a Wine and Cheese Fundraiser for the Naugatuck Veteran’s of Foreign War (VFW) Crusader Post 1946, on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M, at the Naugatuck VFW Hall, 239 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770.
Until recently, hosting such an event at the VFW would have been unthinkable. Severe water damage to the building had threatened to end the Veteran’s primary sources of income: the rental of the hall and bingo. Faced with the prospect of closing the hall and ending an era, our Veterans fought back as they always have.
As a result of the generosity of many local individuals and businesses, our Veterans have received approximately ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($100,000.00) DOLLARS of in-kind contributions to restore the hall. Former Mayor Timothy Barth, a military man and current manager at Imagineers, LLC, has led the effort to restore the building to its former glory. While response has been tremendous, an additional TWENTY THOUSAND and 00/1000THS ($20,000.00) DOLLARS is needed to allow Veterans to complete the restoration of the hall and restore it to its former glory.
While we all face difficult economic times, we ask you to join us in pushing our Veteran’s efforts over the top. Any contribution you are able to make, large or small, will allow our Veterans to complete the restoration of the VFW hall. Your generoristy will be greatly appreciated by our Veterans and those who support them. For those that contribute from TWO HUNDRED FIFTY and 00/100THS ($250.00) DOLLARS to FIVE HUNDRED and 00/100THS ($500.00) DOLLARS; from FIVE HUNDRED and 00/100THS ($500.00) DOLLARS to ONE THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($1,000.00) DOLLARS; and over ONE THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($1,000.00) DOLLARS, the name of the contributing individual and/or business will be permantely engraved at the entrance of the hall.
Please RSVP your attendance to the Wine and Cheese Fundraiser on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, from 6:00 P.M., to 8:00 P.M., by calling our dear friends, Michele and Paul Russell at 203-723-9781. If you are unable to attend the Wine and Cheese Fundraiser, but would still like to contribute, please make your check payable to VFW Crusader Post Number 1946 and mail to VFW Crusader Post 1946 , 239 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770; or email us at bob@bobmezzo.com to arrange a convenient time and place to pick-up your contribution.
Each and every one of our Veterans has put their lives on hold and has been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Despite their devotion, our Veterans ask for nothing, not even our thanks, in return. It is time we gave it to them. Please join us in helping to finally make our Veteran’s dream of a newly restored VFW hall a reality.
There is no better a way to begin Memorial Day weekend.
Posted by Bob on May 6, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
The final, official results are attached in word format. Thank you to all who exercised their right to vote.
Posted by Bob on May 5, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
Results from yesterday’s election are as follows (bold with “*” signifies election to the office):
MAYOR
Michael Bronko (R) – 2459
Robert A. Mezzo (D) – 3670*
BURGESS
Tamath K. Rossi (R) – 3281* (Deputy Mayor)
Michael Cicciarella (D) – 3167*
Mindy Vieira Fragoso (D) – 2944*
Robert J. Burns (D) – 2894*
Robert A. Neth (R) – 2812*
Anthony R. Campbell (D) – 2786*
Patrick J. Scully (D) – 2632*
Henry C. Kuczenski (D) – 2558*
Robert H. Woodfield (R) – 2492*
Dorothy A. Hoff (R) – 2381
Henry A. Kogut (R) – 2281
John A. Kalogrides (R) – 1445
TOWN CLERK
Sophie K. Morton (D) – 5199* (cross-endorsed by Republican Party)
TAX COLLECTOR
James J. Goggin (D) – 4492* (unopposed)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kathleen L. Donovan (D) – 3536*
Rocky Vitale (D) – 3374*
Thomas B. mcKirryher (D) – 2997*
James M. Scully (D) – 2962*
Barbara S. Lewis (R) – 2714*
Marya DiPerna (D) – 2550*
David M. Heller (R) – 2464*
Michelle M. Kalogrides (R) – 2138*
Raymond J. Savoy (R) – 1982
TREASURER
Henry C. Kuczenski, Jr. (D) – 2737*
Judy E. Anderson (R) – 2598
PLANNING COMMISSION
Lois E. Braziel (D) – 3506*
Anthony A. Whelan (D) – 2807*
Deanna Krzykowski (D) – 2698*
Katherine L. Gabrielson (R) – 2660
Luann M. Dunnuck (R) – 2105
ZONING COMMISSION
Diana R. Raczkowski (D) – 3179*
Joseph L. Savarese (D) – 3168*
Neil D. Mascola (D) – 3000*
Jeffrey S. Litke (R) – 2655
Vincent Friel (R) – 1918
SELECTMAN
Charles P. Marenghi (D) – 2730*
Michele J. Russell (D) – 2563*
Helen A. Wilmot (R) – 2472*
Katherine J. Carten (R) – 2082
BALIFF
David Cronin (D) – 2835*
Joshua E. Ruccio (D) – 2829*
Michael L. Caron (D) – 2478*
Joseph A. Rotella, Jr. (R) – 2331*
Harry R. Soucy (D) – 2228* (cross endorsed by Working Families Party)
W. Francis Dambowsky, Jr. (R) – 2213*
Elizabeth O. Jarvis (R) – 1991*
Stephanie L. Savoy (R) – 1982*
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs |
Thank you to all who exercised their right to vote and especially to those who overwhelming voted for our campaign on Monday. We are humbled and honored by your support and realize the significance of the challenges we now face.
Together we have a historic opportunity to change the way Naugatuck does business, open our government to all our citizens, and build partnerships to plan for our future. While there are no easy answers and one person alone can not solve all our problems, we can come together to make Naugatuck the community we always hoped it would be.
Thank you also to Mayor Mike Bronko for running a positive, issue-oriented campaign. Mayor Mike has worked hard for Naugatuck over the past two years and we should be grateful for his contributions to our community. He is also a devoted husband, and outstanding father to four fantastic young men.
Congratulations to all candidates who won election last night. Democrats came together to elect the entire slate of candidates for the first time in many years. While last night was a great victory for “Team Mezzo”, we move forward today as “Team Naugatuck” – Democrats, Republicans, Unaffiliated voters; people of all walks of life and thought – working together for the Borough which we all love.