Bill Russo Assembles Diverse and Experienced Slate of Candidates

Bill Russo Assembles Diverse and Experienced Slate of Candidates
Press Release:

The team was the first to file petitions this morning, submitting over 900 signatures

MIDDLETOWN, CT --- Bill Russo for Mayor of Middletown, Steve Gomes for Treasurer, and eight candidates for Common Council have formally petitioned to have their names added to the ballot as a team for the September 10th Democratic Primary. Russo and his team of candidates led a group of over 30 volunteers out collecting 903 signatures this weekend in extreme heat. Russo said, "It was gratifying to see such commitment to Middletown's future through their support for my candidacy and our team of outstanding candidates."

"The positive response to our team and primary petition effort has been overwhelming. Since Friday morning, people have been contacting us and asking how they can sign. Subject to verification by the Registrar, I believe we have submitted more than 900 qualifying signatures, roughly one and one half the number needed to qualify - and we can get many, many more,"said Russo. "Our slate of candidates is diverse and representative of all members of the community as well as having an abundance of long-time, proud Middletown residents and community leaders. The candidates have an extensive amount of combined years of experience in government, business, and administration."

"I am excited to be a part of this slate and to work with such a strong team of candidates. We each bring a unique background and set of skills, and we are committed to bringing Middletown forward - implementing smart economic development, keeping our schools strong, and maintaining fair taxes. Together, we will work to make our city better for all," said Steve DiCarlo, candidate for Common Council.

"I am running for office to better serve our community, and I believe our slate of candidates will bring the right experience and commitment to make a difference for Middletown. From schools to parks and public spaces to small businesses, we are ready to deliver results," said Sonia Santavenere, another Common Council candidate.

This slate is the most diverse and strongest, composed of candidates from different backgrounds and experiences who are united in their commitment to strengthen Middletown. The Common Council candidates include W. Vance Cotten, Sr., who was appointed to the Common Council in April to fill the vacancy following the death of longtime Majority Leader and former Mayor, Thomas J. Serra and is a respected pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church; Sonia Santavenere, a Jamaican-American businesswoman and owner of Main Switch Salon on Washington Street; and Tina Mejias, a seventeen-year police officer for the City of Meriden who has devoted her life to protecting and serving. This combined Democratic ticket of Bill Russo for Mayor, Steven Gomes for Treasurer, and the diverse and experienced 8 candidates for Common Council will pave the way for an even brighter future in Middletown for years to come.

The slate is as follows:

CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR:
Bill Russo - Bill is a lifelong resident of our city. He was born here and raised his children here. He started working for the city in 1984 as a laborer and worked his way up, getting promoted to truck driver, traffic paint supervisor, Deputy Director of Public Works, and later became Director of Public Works in 2004. Bill has spearheaded hundreds of city projects and initiatives, all contributing to the health, well-being, and efficiency of our community. As Mayor, he'll keep taxes down while making sure we have great parks, solid infrastructure, safe roads and streets, and strong schools.

CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER:
Steven Gomes - A 32-year resident of Middletown, Steve is currently Chairman of the Middletown Retirement/Pension Board which oversees $400 million in investments and was recently ranked eleventh best in the country. Steve has been active in the community, having served on the Inland Wetlands Commission and coached in several youth sports leagues.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMON COUNCIL:
Meghan Carta - An attorney specializing in trusts and estate planning with a Guilford-based firm, Meghan was also a star softball player at Mercy High School and later at the University of Massachusetts. Meghan is one of the daughters of Carl Carta and the late Dr. Pat Carta who was a pediatric dentist in Middletown for over 30 years.

W. Vance Cotton - Bishop Cotten is a 28-year resident of Middletown, where he has led the Shiloh Baptist Church for 30 years. He has served as the President/Chairman of the Hartford Behavioral Health. He has served the city on many boards, such as being appointed to the Common Council, the Board of Education, the Middlesex United Way, the Connection Inc., Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council, H.O.P.E Inc., and the Middletown Police Steering committee.

Gerry Daley - Gerry is a lifelong resident of Middletown. He is a retired Human Resources Administrator for the State of Connecticut. He has served for 26 years on the Common Council as Chair of Economic Development and a leader in developing the City's budget.

Stephen DiCarlo - Steve is a thirty-year resident of the Westfield section of Middletown with nearly 35 years of experience in sales and business management in the wine and spirits industry. He has been a coach for Prof Gallitto Basketball, a Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 43, and active with the local Warm the Children program.

Tina Meijas - Tina is a 37-year resident of Middletown, who has served the City of Meriden as a Police Officer for the past seventeen years. She has dedicated her law enforcement career to protect and serve, and she wants to bring that same dedication and commitment to Middletown as a member of the Common Council.

Linda Pagano - Lifelong resident of Middletown, Linda was born and raised here. She has been an active leader in the community and is especially close to the Fire Service which her late husband Captain Joe Pagano served with distinction until his untimely death in the line of duty.

Bob Santangelo - Bob is currently Deputy Mayor and a 26-year Council veteran. He has chaired the Public Safety Commission for a number of years and is a Vietnam Veteran.

Sonia Santavenere - Sonia was born in Jamaica. She is the proud owner of The Main Switch Beauty Salon, doing business in Middletown for almost 30 years. She has been involved in Business Network International for over 6 years and is a member of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. She gives back to her town and always inspires and motivates her guests in many different ways.

Russo concluded, "I am excited to have this team of outstanding candidates join me on the ballot for the September 10th primary. We have a great combination of experienced incumbents with a depth of experience in City government, economic development, and budgeting. Complementing that experience, we have a young, successful woman attorney, a veteran woman police officer, a successful woman business owner, and two other candidates with great community and business experience. I am especially proud that we have an unprecedented balance of four men and four women candidates for Common Council."
CONTACT: Doug Forand, doug@redhorsestrategies.com