Ron Gambardella's GOP mayoral endorsement speech

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

Paraphrasing Franklin Roosevelt, on April 7, 1932 he said the following: “These unhappy times call for the building of plans that rest upon the forgotten, the unorganized but the indispensable units of economic power …. that put their faith once more in the forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid.” Why, you may ask, quote Franklin Roosevelt at tonight’s Republican convention on something he said over 75 years ago during one of his radio talks? - Because we are experiencing an economic decline in this country and town that has not been seen since the last Great Depression; Because, once again, this election is about the “forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid”. These individuals are not just Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated, they are from all walks of life and political persuasion. We know them personally, and see them on a daily basis. They pay their taxes, want a good quality school system for their kids, and demand their town government to be honest and responsive to their needs.

Many Hamden residents are frightened, financially insecure and fearful of the future. They are searching for new leadership to help guide our town from financial distress back to prosperity. This campaign is not about pitting the Republicans against the Democrats, as hardship is now occurring with members of all political parties. It is about putting aside party politics, and working together for the betterment of our town. It is about addressing the needs and concerns of the “forgotten man”.

Driving throughout town it’s easy to see that businesses are hurting. Vacant store fronts and empty buildings are a testament to failed economic policies, and more upsetting: the destruction of someone's hopes and dreams. During this economic decline, Hamden has not fared as well as surrounding towns, where new development seems to be taking root on a daily basis.

Not surprisingly, there is a tremendous need for jobs in Hamden, and without a vibrant business community, these jobs will continue to flock to other towns. Recently, I have been in discussion with area business leaders who wish to bring new economic development back to Hamden. Many claim Hamden is not known as a business friendly town. This is unacceptable. Responsible economic growth increases our tax base, and will stabilize our mill rate.

We need to showcase Hamden and encourage responsible business growth and economic development, not stymie it. For example, taking long contaminated land and turning it into responsible, green building projects, while at the same time providing employment opportunities for Hamden residents, is responsible government.

I have the necessary background, not just with an MBA in finance, a small business owner, and former member of the Hamden Legislative Council, but by strong values and hard work to get Hamden moving again, in the right direction.

As I look around the room tonight at all the candidates who were just nominated for office, I know that each person on our ticket understands these shared values. They agree that we must open up government to allow transparency and citizen participation. They know that success can only be achieved when elected officials carryout the will of the people. I am confident in our prospects for victory. We all want the same things as the “forgotten man”, financial stability, a government that listens to them, and prospects for a brighter future for ourselves and our children.

The prior administration has long forgotten these basic tenets. From them, we have received historic tax increases, ethical lapses of judgment, outrageous spending projects, broken campaign promises, and a Legislative Council that simply rubber stamps the status quo. They are content with the concentration of power in the hands of the few, and with the machine politics that keeps them in power. This has got to change.

We will not follow this path. We will forge a new path of inclusive government, inverting the pyramid with the Hamden’s residents on top, and government officials serving the people. Not the other way around.

What makes this campaign so exciting is the response we have been receiving. People are fed up with their voices not being heard and with no opportunity to participate in government. They are fed up with the inaccessibility of their elected officials governing from an ivory tower. They want to be heard. Our under ticket understands this and will be available after the election and not just during the campaign. We are committed to providing the citizens of Hamden with more involvement by agreeing to take up the issue of charter reform. We support the need for a citizen run Education Task force and the establishment of a Street and Sidewalk Commission. We know a mayor is only as good as the advice provided by experts and other stakeholders. That is why we will form a mayor’s advisory committee made up of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens and others to give sound advice to those who make decisions on behalf of the many.

We have a fine group of men and women running this year to change Hamden. Taxpayers will take note of the fact that we have highly qualified individuals running in every district for town council and council-at-large. We have candidates with expertise and experience running for the Board of Education who will offer solid solutions to make our town's education system even better than it is today. We have an outstanding candidate running for Town Clerk, who will bring a fresh face and new ideas to town hall.

Fiscal responsibility is what we promise, and concern for all residents is our top priority. We must preserve the town services we provide, while at the same time look for any and all opportunities to bring cost control back into the equation. We cannot simply rely on endless tax increases and last minute revenue shenanigans to balance the budget, as the current administration has been accustomed. We need a five year financial plan and fiscal management to stabilize taxes. If not, the “forgotten man” will remain cynical, at the bottom of the pyramid, dazed and confused by the failure of government to heed to the will of the people. Once again, I reiterate, Hamden residents cannot afford more tax increases. As a government, we need to learn to do more with less, and I have the expertise in finance and budgeting to make this a reality.

Hamden is at a crossroads. Residents this November have the power to throw out the status quo candidates, and elect new faces with new energy on the Legislative Council and Board of Education, for a better Hamden. Rest assured, we are eager to get started working for a new and fiscally sound Hamden.

So, join me along with our slate of candidates and volunteers, Republicans, Democrats and Greens alike, and let's get this campaign rolling, in every street from Highwood to Mt. Carmel, and in every neighborhood in between. We have the right message and the right team. Together, we will change Hamden and always remember the forgotten man and women, the senior and child alike. With our victory in November, the "forgotten" taxpaying public will finally be remembered.

Thank you!

Hamden to celebrate National Night Out

The town of Hamden invites area families and individuals to join 11,000 other communities on Aug.4 to celebrate National NIght Out at Rochford Field, 533 Newhall St. in Hamden from 4-8 p.m.
In addition to arts and crafts, games, raffles, giveaways, community resources, and other activities, the celebration will include live performances from the Hamden High School cheerleaders who will also provide a cheerleading clinic, Ultimate Dance Experience, Hip Hop Dimensions, sponsored by Young Audiences of Connecticut, The Flying Tangerine People, and Jus B. Music will be provided by D.J. E-Man.
The Master of Ceremonies will be Vincent Iezzi. Free refreshments will be offered, including hot dogs fresh from the grill!, chips, water and refreshing snow-cones.
This year, Hamden’s National Night Out promises to be bigger and better than ever! There will be special emphasis on issues of Safety in Our Community. Bicycle, car, child and pedestrian safety education, information and resources will be provided by Yale – New Haven Injury Prevention Program, Street Smarts and Carter Mario Injury Lawyers. Free bicycle helmets from these organizations and businesses will be distributed, The Hamden Rotary Club will offer Child I.D. cards; NEOA and Hamden Elks will be on hand with a drug prevention trailer and activities.
Other organizations and businesses offering various resources, activities and giveaways include Walgreens, TD Banknorth-WOW Zone, Hamden’s Partnership for Young Children, Family Resource Center, QVHD, United Illuminating, and Pathfinders.
There will be activities for all ages. They include: Moon Bounces, a Community Art Project with P.L.A.C.E.; Face Painting, Spin Art, Button -Making, Video Gaming with Zombie Gamers; a Bicycle Rodeo with Elm City Cycling; and much more!
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is co-sponsored locally by the Hamden Police Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau with special support from TARGET, the national corporate sponsor and Yale-New Haven Injury Prevention Program.
The event will involve over 11,000 communities from 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. National Night Out is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
For additional information, call Susan Rubino at 777-2610 srubino@hamden.com or contact National Association of Town Watch (610) 649-7055 www.nationalnighout.org