Corruption simply defined is “dishonest proceedings” or “bribery,” which, when committed by a public official, is classified a felony.
I raise the subject recalling the concern of Mr. Vincent Arpino, a fellow resident, regarding the Grand Apizza property purchase during former East Haven Mayor April Capone’s tenure, supposedly for the use of our fire department. Besides the property owner and real estate agent, who else benefited from the sale?
Taxpayers' money is sacrosanct. It is not spent arbitrarily for it represents the collective labor and contribution of each resident, to ensure its government is administered competently and without prejudice or favor.
Deviations from that principle other than exceptional cases could be viewed as questionable, which given the flooding problems of that location, we cannot but presume the sale was politically engineered with the end in view of anticipated benefits for the political office holders; not the community’s.
Major business transactions involving our government do not on merit alone move officials to act without the political leadership’s machinations; ever watchful of opportunities to preserve its party’s hold on power.
Towards that end and to make their enterprise appear more judicious and principled, both political parties opportunistically engage in what could be viewed as dubious justifications, to provide moral cover for their decisions.
Sadly, in the current political culture, questionable, even disreputable behavior, is marketed as badges of honor to delude us into believing they represent the community’s best interest; deserving our trusts and ultimately our votes.
But it cannot be argued. East Haven needs a renaissance, and the first step towards recovery is admitting the problem. If I were mayor, I would initiate a criminal investigation to help re-establish integrity and credibility in our government if only for our children, for they deserve nothing less. You can count on it.
Oni Sioson
East Haven