Democrats Want Investigation Into Cosgrove's 'Business Dealings'

Submitted by Branford Democrats

"Today, the Branford Democrats called for an investigation after the New Haven Register report regarding town contracts and the business dealings of Republican First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.

"There needs to be an immediate investigation into the use of taxpayer dollars and the First Selectman's business dealings," said Kevin Coughlin, Chair of the Branford Democratic Town Committee. "We need to restore honesty and integrity to town government."

The article details a series of troubling facts:

• ACA Landscaping "has more than $120,000 in contracts with the town over three years." ACA Landscaping "operates out of a building owned by Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and his family." The First Selectman charges ACA Landscaping for space in his building, profiting off of their business.
• The First Selectman, through this relationship, is in violation of town charter and town ethics. "The Branford town charter states the 'first selectman shall not during his term of office be an officer, director, employee or stockholder of any person, corporation, association or partnership which shall rent, hire, sell or furnish directly or indirectly to the Town of Branford any supplies, material or equipment of any sort.'"
• The First Selectman also owns a company, Evergreen Landscape Supply, which operates in the same building as ACA Landscaping.
• Evergreen was formed in June 2020 with Cosgrove and Vincent Cacace listed on business filings as principals. Vincent Cacace is also listed as a ACA Landscaping principal. "Cosgrove confirmed Vincent Cacace had formerly been a principal of Evergreen Landscape Supply, and his wife, Laurie Cacace, remains involved with Evergreen."
• ACA lists a different address on state filings then where it currently resides: "ACA Landscaping’s official address in state filings is for a residence on Beechwood Road in Branford, though the business appears to operate out of 164 N. Main St., where a sign displays the company’s name, as well as several campaign signs for Cosgrove’s reelection.""