Rossi and Bronko Exchange Words Over Location for Rossi's Campaign Event

Tonight (Wed. Sept. 9) Republican Mayoral candidate Tamath K. Rossi will be hosting a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. in Town Hall, fourth floor Hall of Burgesses.

The venue didn’t sit well with one of her primary opponents Seth Bronko.

The Bronko campaign submitted this prepared statement questioning the suitability of Town Hall for a “campaign sponsored” event.

Here is the Bronko statement, followed by Rossi’s response.

“The Bronko for Mayor Campaign questions the appropriateness of the use of taxpayer-funded Town Hall’s Commissioner’s Corner as a venue for a campaign sponsored town hall style meeting by the Rossi for Mayor Campaign.

“Using Town Hall for a campaign sponsored event shows disrespect for the separation of local government and the running of a personal political campaign,” said Republican Town Committee (RTC) endorsed candidate, Seth Bronko. “While I respect my opponent’s ability and opportunity to engage in a discussion with members of the public, to do so in Town Hall displays a sense of entitlement resonating after years of holding and seeking political office. Town Hall is not Mrs. Rossi’s personal political office.”

“Funding this meeting is also an important issue. Since Town Hall is a not rentable venue, taxpayers will be footing the bill for a campaign many people do not even support,” Bronko continued. “Choosing to hold a personal event in Town Hall displays questionable judgment in using the seat of our town’s government to play politics. Given the need for expanded economic development across Naugatuck, why then wouldn’t my opponent choose to have her event at one of several small businesses in town that could benefit from her support?”

And then Rossi’s response to Bronko.

“Mr. Bronko’s accusations are totally unfounded and baseless. For long before Mr. Bronkowas involved in this community, both the Republican and Democratic Town Committees have used the venue of Naugatuck Town Hall to host community discussions and allowed political candidates to address the committees and campaign. Town Hall is a public building that has been permitted to be used for civic and political organizations for several decades.

I trust that by Mr. Bronko’s accusations, he is questioning and requesting that the Republican and Democratic Town Committees, effective immediately, no longer be permitted to use any town buildings and that no candidates are to be permitted to be hosted in any town buildings. I also question why he never raised this issue during his own efforts to secure the Republican nomination for Mayor, which was done in Town Hall.”

“I’m disappointed that Mr. Bronko has chosen to make personal attacks through a prepared statement, rather than accepting my invitation to a public debate on the issues that impact our community.”

“Hiding behind press releases rather than discussing issues with residents face to face is no way to lead and our community deserves better. If we are going to move this town forward, in a positive way, we must elect leaders with the fortitude to be open and transparent and communicate with all residents, not hide behind political gamesmanship.”

“If Mr. Bronko has changed his mind, I still welcome the opportunity to debate at a time and place convenient for him, so we can discuss the issues and further demonstrate the differences in how we lead. Meanwhile, I look forward to welcoming all residents to attend tomorrow evening to discuss Naugatuck and its future.”

And Bronko’s response to Rossi on whether he’d be willing to debate her.

“There has been no offer for a debate since prior to the nomination. I’ve repeatedly said I’m willing to debate should the opportunity arise, but there have not been any requests since I received the party endorsement for mayor.

It’s not an attack on Mrs. Rossi personally, it’s a legitimate question of her decision to hold a campaign event in a publicly funded building. I believe it was a poor judgment call,” Bronko said.