Council probe eyed
It’s time—overtime! —for the West Haven City Council to move forward with an independent, third-party investigation involving questionable payments, lack of standard operating procedures, and potentially fraudulent activities that may very well result in taxpayers footing the bill as detailed in the CohnReznick Covid Relief Funds Report. This abuse and misappropriation of funds now exceed $2 million when including prior FBI arrests of Michael DiMassa and others.
The investigation should be conducted with oversight by the CT State Attorney General’s office, as well as the hands-on participation of the Office of Policy Management – Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB).
Relying strictly upon justifications and documentation provided by Ms. Rossi, corporation counsel, finance department, and other officials that have been directly or indirectly implicated in the report and in many cases been previously reprimanded by MARB is not viable. Regaining the public’s trust cannot be recaptured if the vetting and scrutiny of a credible third party is not enlisted.
Although many are understandably outraged and wish for the immediate resignation of Ms. Rossi and others in the administration, every citizen should be allowed to address actions, inaction, as well as other allegations made against them. Any resignation that may occur without an investigation is not enough. Let’s get all the facts out in the open.
The West Haven City Council must put party labels aside and act swiftly. We are a city in crisis. We can and must do better.
Barry Lee Cohen
Republican Mayoral Candidate
Resign now!
We are calling for the resignation of Mayor Nancy Rossi. The April 5 MARB meeting made it abundantly clear that not only the citizens but MARB has lost confidence in Mayor Rossi’s ability to lead. Mayor Rossi continues to tout her three balanced budgets; yet MARB attributed that to the exorbitant financial assistance given to the city. It was further stated that if not for this infusion of state money, West Haven taxpayers would have seen a 4- or 5-point increase in the mill rate.
The future of our city and its reputation is at stake. Please resign immediately. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caprDxloLc8
West Haven Republican Town Committee
Join Heart Walk
Health is at the forefront now more than ever, and this is especially true in Connecticut, which is home to many incredible healthcare organizations. The greater New Haven community has rallied around healthy habits by prioritizing health – mental and physical – as we come together to tackle ongoing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now is the time to renew our commitment to prioritizing health, and as president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) in Connecticut with my roots in West Haven, I’m excited to share amazing opportunities to kick this off in partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) here in the state.
Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the No. 1 killer of Americans. We need to meet this adversary with matched energy and vigor to better prevent, diagnose, and treat heart disease and stroke so that fewer people suffer.
Improving health is a long-term plan, and Anthem is committed to serve as a lifetime partner in health. Our actions as a community today build a future and a legacy for Connecticut, and that’s why I joined to Chair AHA’s 2022 New Haven Heart Walk. When you support and participate in the New Haven Heart Walk, you are helping to ensure that more cardiovascular research is funded, more hospitals administer the highest standards of care and that fewer people become a statistic. And you’re also doing something healthy for yourself!
Walk with us on May 7th at Savin Rock in West Haven – my hometown! With every step you take and every dollar you raise, you are a part of the solution for a world of longer, healthier lives.
AHA’s top priority is the health and well-being of individuals and their families today and in the future, in every community, from here to everywhere. Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to prioritize the health of Connecticut. For more information, please visit NewHavenHeartWalk.org.
Lou Gianquinto
Chairman, New Haven Heart Walk
President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut