Tribuna endorses mayoral candidate for 2009 Danbury elections

After months of intense campaigning, we are approaching Election Day, when

voters will select the candidates that will best govern the City of Danbury.

Determination is an essential component in any political race. Democratic candidate Gary Goncalves, running for the mayoral seat in Danbury, had that determination. He pointed out important issues related to incumbent Mayor Mark Boughton's administration, such as the need to increase the education budget and to work on a plan for improving traffic downtown, especially at rush hour.

In his speeches, Goncalves emphasized what he would do to make Danbury a better city, focusing mainly on improvements to the downtown area. For that, he would hire a full-time Economic Development Director to approach existing businesses and organizations and to attract new ones. Although it was a positive vision, it was not supported by concrete plans, mirroring perhaps a lack of profound knowledge of what Danbury needs, as well as the capacity to attend to those needs.

During an interview with a local Brazilian newspaper, Goncalves said that if elected he would work to "bring back the atmosphere of respect for immigrants" in Danbury. He also stated,

It is a shame for the city when [people of] Hispanic descent, for example, are afraid to go to the supermarket or to be pulled over by the police."

With this rhetoric, Goncalves, according to the interview, gained the trust of many Brazilian voters that then considered him their favorite for this election.

Nevertheless, in the debate organized by the Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn on Oct. 14, Goncalves did not respond to panelist Gary Hawley's question, addressed to both contenders, on what to say to people who feel intimidated by the presence of day laborers that stand at Kennedy Park

looking for work.

"I just want to say a few things. First of all, about the workers downtown - I do believe it is a safe downtown," replied Goncalves, mentioning the Danbury 11 case and the lawsuit against the city. He then said that he would like to take that opportunity "to get back to the point about the bond referendum for the Police Department."

Hawley's question represented a prime opportunity for Goncalves to talk about his platform of "unity" for the community, which he propagated during his campaign - especially when visiting local ethnic businesses.

It concerns me when the vision of a politician changes according to his or her audience. Perhaps because he felt that immigration is a "weak point" in his campaign, instead of seeing it as "a big differential among both candidates" for the mayor's office, as earlier stated in his interview to the local Brazilian newspaper.

In challenging economic times, the

tangible and concrete curriculum of an experienced candidate speaks louder than unsubstantiated promises. Goncalves does not have the experience needed to implement the changes he proposed in his platform. I state this based on his performance in the debates and throughout his campaign.

As an immigrant, I disagree with the way Mayor Mark Boughton addressed the partnership agreement with ICE in 2008. As a member of the Danbury community, however, I cannot judge a mayoral candidate's platform based only on the issue of immigration.

The reality is that during Boughton's four terms, the city saw new schools, such as Western Connecticut AIS Magnet School and Ellsworth Avenue Elementary School (formerly Roberts Avenue), newly paved roads, the new Firefighter House Engine 26 on the west side, an upgraded athletic field in Rogers Park, and a modern Police Department. The new station revitalized a sector of the city considered challenging, and lifted the morale of the police officers that today are able to work in a safe, efficient facility. All of these improvements benefit the residents who are citizens, as well as the immigrants in Danbury.

For these reasons, Tribuna is endorsing Mark Boughton for Mayor of the City of Danbury.

For the Common Council Member at Large seat, we endorse the Democratic candidate Oseas Mello, a local business owner who has lived in Danbury with his family for 20 years. We applaud his broad vision to work for the community as a whole and to give back to the city, get involved and inspire other immigrants to do the same. In addition, it is about time that the Brazilian community be represented in our local government.

Joselyn Cotillo, a young Hispanic woman graduated from Danbury High School, will have Tribuna's support for the 7th Ward District Common Council member position. She is a bright 25-year-old, with new ideas for maximizing public services and the determination to implement new programs that educate our children and youth on resisting drugs and establish safe zones for them to play and entertain.

All candidates have qualities and restrictions that can help or impede them from executing their duties as public officers efficiently. In this election, we hope that the best for the City of Danbury will be decided through the vote of each constituent. Remember that on Nov. 3, your voice will only be heard if you get out and cast your vote.

May God bless our city and our future administration!