Dugatto To Seek Re-Election as Derby Mayor

Current Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto announced today that she will build upon her successes as
she seeks re-election to lead the city of Derby. Dugatto, who was first elected in 2013, cites her
energy and excitement about the great things happening in Derby as determining factors in an
easy decision.

I am happy with the progress my administration is making. The well-being of those who live in,
visit, and do business in our city is my top priority. Running the city effectively and efficiently is
important to that end. I am grateful to the residents of Derby for allowing me to do so.

Dugatto has already been talking to Derby residents and business owners about the importance
of maintaining momentum and continuity in leadership as she works to strategically move the
city forward.

Dugatto points to visible progress throughout the city that all started with changing the way City
Hall does business. One of my first priorities was strengthening relationships with residents,
business owners and community partners through open and transparent government, Dugatto
said.

Dugatto cited the creation of a municipal website, citizen request portal, weekly open door
sessions with the Mayor, and a Facebook page dedicated to community news as evidence of
her commitment.

Dugatto also took on the task of updating Derbys information technology system to more
efficiently and effectively serve the needs of Derby residents, business owners, and potential
investors. Her commitment to improving service included adjusting City Hall business hours to
better accommodate business clients and working residents.

Dugatto likewise remains committed to advancing the well-being of Derby residents through
responsible infrastructure investments and neighborhood improvements.

The investments we make in Derby today will pay off long-term. They make our city more
attractive to potential investors, homeowners and businesses and make our fiscal position more
stable, Dugatto said.

The critical condition of Derbys neglected wastewater treatment system and municipal parking
garage are examples of painful lessons learned. Had we properly maintained these facilities all
along, huge capital investments would not be required at once as they are now, Dugatto said.

Visible progress is evident throughout Derby: city streets have been paved, new guard rails and
sidewalks have been installed, wastewater pumping station improvements are underway,
amenities have been upgraded at city parks, blighted properties have been torn down or
cleaned up, and an abundance of new businesses have opened.

Our efforts, big and small, are paying off, Dugatto said.

Economic development and fiscal responsibility will remain top priorities in Dugattos next term.
Through a mix of strategic investment and planning, marketing, and operational improvements,
Dugatto will continue her efforts to attract a diverse mix of new business investment to Derby
and support the expansion of those that already call Derby home.

Dugatto acknowledges that the largest opportunity to strengthen Derbys tax base lies in
revitalizing the citys downtown, particularly the redevelopment zone on the south side of Main
Street. To better position downtown Derby for private investment, Dugatto launched Downtown
Now! to align downtown development opportunities with Derbys unique assets, the vision of its
residents, market and demographic data, site conditions, and investment trends. This was the
first time such a comprehensive, citizen-driven initiative was undertaken in the city. The full cost
of this project was covered through a grant her administration procured.

This is a very exciting time for Derby. We are on the cusp of capitalizing on real opportunities
to expand our tax base and improve the quality of life for Derby residents, Dugatto said.

Under Dugattos leadership, Derby made great strides in strengthening Derbys fiscal health in a
variety of ways. During her term, Derbys bond rating was upgraded to AA. This provides Derby
access to capital at very low interest rates. Solar panels were installed at Derbys old landfill to
reduce municipal energy costs as well as its carbon footprint. And over Dugattos term Derby
collected over $1 million in back taxes, to date, through aggressive delinquent collection efforts.
Dugatto pledges to maintain this progress in her next term.

Dugatto points out that continuity in leadership is critical to maintaining the progress the city is
experiencing.

If Derby is successful as a municipality, the people and businesses of Derby will reap the
rewards. I am committed to continuing my work everyday to this end for the benefit of all Derby
residents today and in the future, Dugatto said.