As a somewhat casual observer of East Haven politics, I find it amusing to follow the comments of Democratic Town Chairman Gene Ruocco. During a recent interview published in the New Haven Register, Mr. Ruocco was identified as “a staunch supporter” of Jack Stacey, whose viability as a mayoral candidate has been questioned due to personal financial problems, including a recent ruling of strict foreclosure on his home. This is public information and easily accessible. It took me only a few minutes to locate it online.
In the article Mr. Ruocco attempted to link fellow Democratic candidate for mayor, Gary DePalma, to the Department of Justice investigation at the East Haven Police Department. Why? Mr. DePalma, a retired police officer with more than 25 years of service, has never been associated in any way with that investigation. The article also confirms that Mr. DePalma has never been “embroiled in any financial legal wrangling.”
Mr. Ruocco continues to try and redirect the conversation away from a very simple question: Why is Mr. Stacey running for office when he can’t manage his own finances? Most of the people I speak to around town support the efforts of our Police Department. To suggest otherwise is a blatant attempt to antagonize an already sensitive issue. By all accounts, Mr. DePalma had a good record. Mr. Ruocco should thank Mr. DePalma for his years of service, get his facts straight and support our police officers.
Keith Hedley
East Haven