As a longtime resident of East Haven, I’m not unaware of its shortcomings. But, I love this town and believe that with the right leadership and a focused effort, we can overcome most of our problems. With that said, I find it perplexing our mayor continues to declare that our town’s “image” has improved because of him. The Maturo Administration has enjoyed absolute authority in town government for almost 16 years, minus a four-year layoff. I’d like to know, what part of the town’s image has improved during his administration? Seems to me, it has more to do with ego than reality.
Mayor Joseph Maturo’s handling of the national spotlight during a crisis is a direct contradiction to his own perceptions. I carry no hard feelings or condemnation of the rank and file officers in our police department. They serve with honor and integrity. They deserve our respect. A few exceptions can never tarnish an entire operation. Fact is, years of neglect knowingly supported by the Maturo administration, including the Board of Police Commissioners and Chief Leonard Gallo, came to an unfortunate conclusion when our mayor caved under pressure. Perhaps, he was thinking about how his policies failed to provide adequate support to the people responsible for protecting its citizens.
Our officers have the courage to take their responsibilities seriously, and have spoken out, in the past, on many occasions. Ultimately, our mayor should be more concerned with their training, equipment and morale, instead of bald assertions associated with his leadership ability. We’ve already seen it when it counted most.
Tara Esposito
East Haven