Drew Apologizes For Campaign Letter Sent To City Employees

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown Mayor Dan Drew has apologized to city employees for a letter they received this weekend from his campaign for governor and vowed to return any contributions the campaign has received since the letter went out. Drew, a Democrat, faced mounting criticism for obtaining the home addresses of city employees and asking for campaign contributions in his bid for governor. Drew had requested the list from Human Resources. Drew said it was an “error in judgment” in the apology.

The Middletown Press first reported that the letter went out to city employees and requested a $100 donation to his campaign. Drew was also heavily criticized for sending the letter to police officers and other emergency personnel because the home addresses of police officers are supposed to be confidential by law, according to the Press. (To sign up for Middletown breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

In his apology letter, Drew also said he didn’t want anyone to believe the campaign letter was meant to coerce anyone into making a contribution.

Read the full letter below:

9/21/17

Dear Middletown Employees,

I apologize for the letter you received over the weekend from my campaign. It was an error in judgment, and it should not have been sent.

I had requested a list from HR. It was used to make mailing labels and then was destroyed. The information was not retained in any database. It was an error in judgment and I apologize.

Serving as your mayor is a wonderful experience every day, and I am proud of the work you do for the City of Middletown. I would not ever want for you or anyone else to believe the letter was meant to coerce anyone. I respect the work you do far too greatly for that to be permitted.

I am refunding any contributions received from city personnel since the letter was sent.

Thank you for your hard work for our community.

Sincerely,

Daniel Drew

MAYOR

Read the full Middletown Press story here.

Image via City of Middletown