After winning re-election by a more than three-to-one margin, Mayor Mark Lauretti joked that Republicans still have “some work to do” because there are 2,000 Shelton voters who “don’t understand” how well the city is doing.
Lauretti won a 12th term over Democrat David Gioiello, who also had run for mayor in 2007. Lauretti received 6,876 votes (77%) and Gioiello got 2,110 votes (23%).
Turnout was less than 38%.
‘Affordable’ place to live
Speaking at a GOP victory celebration, Lauretti said voters were responding to a city with “the best tax base in the state,” good services that offer security and peace for residents, and a government that shares the values of its citizens.
“This is what government is supposed to do,” Lauretti said of how Shelton is run. “It’s supposed to be affordable for people to live in.”
Shelton is not only an affordable place to reside but also “for businesses to grow,” he added.
About 70 people, most of them candidates or Republican activists, filled the Howe Avenue storefront that the Republicans used as their campaign headquarters for the celebration. They confidently waited as results were posted, cheering when GOP candidates won their races.
Lauretti briefly addressed the crowd after all the results were known.
Keeping promises and downtown renewal
Lauretti said Republicans have kept their campaign promises during his 22 years in office. “We did it beyond people’s expectations,” he said.
“Shelton has become a model in this state,” Lauretti said.
One of Lauretti’s main goals in the coming two years is to continue with the redevelopment of downtown.
Progress already is being made, he said, urging people to compare parts of the city center today to photos from two decades ago. He said the future will bring an expanded Riverwalk and new private investment to the area.
Thanked supporters
Lauretti thanked his supporters, noting many have backed him since his initial run for City Hall as a political novice in 1991. He said they have offered “unwavering support” through the years.
He also acknowledged the many people in the crowd who serve on town boards and commissions, saying they are making a positive difference in their hometown.
“Forward march, as they say,” Lauretti said to conclude his victory speech. He then invited others to join him at a restaurant across the street for a celebratory drink.