1983, my first year in basic military training and the moment in my life I realized my

purpose was public service. Serving in the United States Air Force for 5.5 years taught
me to respect leaders that could unify a team under extreme circumstances to achieve
a common goal. Spending 24years in the Hamden Police Dept. Only reinforced that
lesson: even the best officers relied on the direction and drive of a competent Chief to
unite the force. I have strived to emulate those examples of leadership in my life of
public seryice.
As a graduate of Derby High School, my family and I have called Derby our hometown
for 49 years. Following in the footsteps of my father, I served as the Commander of the
Catholic War Veterans Post 1562. I have also held a seat on the Derby Board of
Alderman, and presently sit on the Derby Tax Board.

ln my recent retirement, I need my public service to continue, Public service is in my

blood.
ln all of these positions I have strived to be the kind of leader that brings people
together to accomplish more. I have also advocated for my fellow officiale to do the
same.
Yet today, Derby is divided. Under this Mayor's leadership you have seen hardworking
and well intentioned residents decide not to seek re-election. Regardless of political
affiliation these people have been pushed aside and for our city it is a huge loss. lt is
painfully clear that Derby's officials are not working together to realize the full potential
of our great community. This demonstrates a clear lack of leadership in the Mayor's
office.

Think about what the lack of real leadership has already cost the residents of Derby.
For the past two years, the Mayofs office has failed to unite our community. The mayor
improperly ovenode the orders of the BOA and parking authority in making repairs to
the parking garage and, on several occasions, they have brought forward jobs to the tax
board for funding that were not approved by the BOA.
She has failed to inform city leaders of a $20,000.00 dollar taxpayer expense to engage
in a misguided and failed infomercial hosted by football star Terry Bradshaw.
For the past 2 years economic development and business growth has been treated like
an afterthought. The mayor's office has failed to put together a development team by
neglecting to fill the critical positions of economic development director and grant writer.
These appointed positions could have been bringing in investors and funds into the
city.

Yet, all the Mayor can offer us at the moment is empty seats.

For the past two years Derby residents and businesses have been forced to accept
gradually climbing tax rate and sewer fees. I call it a "tax creep". Derby residents can no
longer be involved in the game of a zero mill rate tax increase in election years only as
have been done by many past mayors. And At this rate it won't be long before Derby is
stuck with one of the highest overall tax rates in the valley. This is a crushing blow for
taxpayers already struggling under Gov. Malloy's 1.5 billion net increases in state taxes
and fees.

We need tax relief., responsibly accomplished by increasing our grand list. A strong
leader would rally Democrats and Republicans to make tax relief an absolute priority.
This involves work, hard work from Democrats, Republicans, and lndependents.
It is only so long before the consequences of poor leadership add up. lt only takes so
long before the damage becomes permanent I love derby far too much to see that
happen. The truth is, Derby deserves better than the current administration. Our city
deserves a true leader that can unite our city and unlock the true potential. I have seen
that kind of leadership first hand and I know I am up for that job.
It is for that reason that I have decided to seek the Republican nomination for Mayor.
ln the coming months lwill be meeting with residents, families, business owners, and
fellow community leaders to share my vision. I have absolutely no doubt that by working
together we will restore Derby to its rightful position: a small but shining city on a hill in
envy of the All American valley.
want to lead that team and the future of Derby cannot wait any longer. My name is
Richard "Zeke" Dziekan and with your support, I am ready to lead the way.
I