Hiding Isn’t Leadership, Transparency Is
Eroding public trust in elections happens when candidates are not transparent about their identity. Voters deserve candor, not evasiveness. Withholding basic information while claiming openness is a breach of that trust.
As many of you know, there is a block of candidates campaigning under the banner “A Common Ground for Woodbridge,” a self-described “group of your neighbors from four different political affiliations.”
But that is not the full story.
“A Common Ground for Woodbridge” is the Republican slate, nominated and endorsed by the Woodbridge Republican Town Committee (WRTC), led by recent WRTC Chair Rob Rosasco, their candidate for First Selectman.
“A Common Ground for Woodbridge” is a registered Political Campaign Committee mobilized to elect the Republican slate, and is not a third party.
Two Republican operatives from outside Woodbridge run the committee, Chair Angela Driver of West Haven and Treasurer Casimir Mizera of Stratford, who, between them, have run more than 35 Republican State campaigns and have no apparent ties to Woodbridge.
It is especially concerning that Rob Rosasco, a self-proclaimed champion of transparency who “abhors confusion,” repeatedly dodges the fundamental question of his affiliation, with members of his slate following suit.
Mr. Rosasco’s own biography omits his recent role as WRTC chair while including other affiliations.
When a resident asked online in a popular local Facebook Group about the ticket’s affiliation, neither Mr. Rosasco nor BOS candidate Javier Aviles disclosed that they are the Republican endorsed slate.
Amity BOE candidate Joi Prud’homme similarly denied that Common Ground is synonymous with Republicans and stated she was a Democratic candidate. Although registered as a Democrat, her candidacy was endorsed by the Republican Party.
Another Amity BOE candidate Lauren Moras, in the same local Facebook group, openly supported the establishment of a Turning Point USA chapter at Amity, a right wing organization whose mission is to organize conservative networks at high schools and colleges across the country.
Voters deserve to know if candidates align with partisan state and national political organizations.
The Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee is resolved to protect the integrity of our elections from efforts that mislead or confuse voters. We respect our two-party system, but for that system to work, both sides must be forthright about who they truly represent and what values they are bringing into our schools and our town.
Be vigilant. Scrutinize what candidates say, regardless of their party affiliation, and ensure that they are held accountable for any misrepresentations.
We are the Democratic slate, Row A, and we will continue to stand for transparency, accountability, and honest leadership.
