Naugatuck Attorney May Challenge Mezzo for Mayor's Seat

A local attorney is expected to be nominated by Republicans this week to challenge Mayor Bob Mezzo for the borough's top political seat.

James P. O'Sullivan, who practices on Church Street, told Naugatuck Patch that he is considering a run for mayor on the Republican ticket.

"The budget and recent referendum has a lot to do with why I'm considering it," he said. "I think the administration kind of glanced over the impact this budget will have on businesses and motor vehicles." 

If O'Sullivan gets the nod from Republicans during their caucus Thursday night, he would take on Mezzo, a Democrat in his second term. Mezzo informally made a quiet announcement that he's running for a third term in a blog post last week.

Little is known about O'Sullivan inside local political arenas where he has little-to-no experience. His professional Facebook page, which was launched on June 10, says that he specializes in real estate, divorce/family, landlord/tenant, wills and probate, personal injury and income tax law. A telephone directory website lists him as in his 50s and living on Walnut Street.

Note: We attempted to contact Mr. O'Sullivan over the weekend for more information on top of what we received in our initial, quick phone call, but he could not be reached for further comment.

Republican Town Committee Chairwoman Dorothy Hoff said O'Sullivan seems like a good guy who is bright.
"He's a good listener, considerate of taxpayers and small business," she said. "I haven't heard anybody say they don't like Mayor Mezzo, but it may be time for a change."

Mezzo, 42 and an attorney himself, says he welcomes a challenger. He was not challenged in 2011; in 2009, he knocked off incumbent Republican Mike Bronko after defeating Kevin Knowles in a Democratic primary.
"When there is a challenger, I believe it strengthens the process," Mezzo said. "I know of Mr. O'Sullivan as an attorney, and I have nothing but kind words to say about him."
Mezzo's blog post regarding his announcement was part of a larger post about the revaluation and referendum processes. Toward the end of that post he wrote that he thinks this may be his last term if he's elected. His blog comments about running again were: 

"Next Thursday (7/18/2013), I will seek my party’s nomination for a third term as Naugatuck’s mayor.  While it is difficult to predict the future, it is likely that this could be last term if I am successful.  The blessing of a new family member has made my decision whether or not to run much more difficult this election season.  While I have been and always will be honored to be the mayor of the only hometown I have ever known, my life will ultimately be defined by the husband and father that I am and the service that I provide to my community outside of elected office.  Much more awaits me on my life journey.  There is, however, still some work as mayor that I feel compelled to finish.

Over the coming months, I will articulate my plans, proposals and vision for this great community as I have in all the elections in which I have participated.  Undoubtedly, others will come forth as candidates for various offices offering there own ideas to make Naugatuck a better place to live, work, do business and raise a family.  I welcome those with good intentions, regardless of their political party, who come forth to discuss issues and ideas in a respectful and productive manner.

Unfortunately others will seek your approval to advance their own personal agenda, and some will tell you exactly what you want to hear.  They will ignore the complexities of our current budget and try to convince you with sound bytes that solutions are so simple that no one who has served previously has ever had the foresight to propose them.  Some will cling to political ideologies better suited for Hartford or Washington rather than the practical realities of local government.

The beauty of our democracy is, however, that candidates for public office are usually required to explain their positions and proposals in detail, demonstrate their individual credentials and experience to serve, and engage in enlightened debate before those whose votes they seek.  Those who have in recent years enjoyed the anonymity of expressing their opinions behind fictitious screen names and/or engaging like-minded individuals on social media will be forced to step away from the comfort of their computers and explain their statements or fringe ideologies in public forums and debate.  I welcome the opportunity that a campaign presents to put a name behind an opinion, facts and data behind complaints, and a well-constructed argument behind proposed solutions for a vibrant and sustainable Borough of Naugatuck.

The revaluation and corresponding referendum have provided an opportunity for some to create an inaccurate perception that is convenient and self-serving.  Fortunately the public conversation has only just begin.

As always, please feel free to provide questions and/or comments below, or contact me directly by email at bob@bobmezzo.com or by cell at 203-217-0876."