Danbury Mayor Responds to Criticism Over New Role as Chairman of CT State Democratic Party

Recently, many of you read that Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves accepted the role of Chairman for the Connecticut State Democratic Party.

Get our free mobile app

Republican Town Committee Chairman Michael Coelho had this to say of the decision:

“Danburians should not be forced to accept a part-time leader who now must divide his attention between running our city and managing a statewide political agenda."

We wanted to hear what the Mayor had to say about this so we asked him on the Thursday (2/6/25) edition of the I-95 Morning Show.

Lou: You caught some flak, some criticism from RTC Chairman Michell Coelho who basically said, I'm just going to paraphrase I'm not going to read the quote, now that you accepted the position with the Connecticut State Democratic party, basically she's saying you're a part-time Mayor. That is what she is saying, what is your response to that? 

Alves: "Well listen, first it's Michael Coelho, her husband."

Lou: OH! I've been saying Michelle all morning, sorry Michael, sorry Michelle! 

Alves: "That's okay; it's confusing for a lot of folks. Michael is also on the city council. They are entitled to their opinion; that's politics for them. I've chosen to take on a role that doesn't pay me—it's a volunteer position—because I believe I'm very capable. You know, the Governor is a friend of mine. He texts me, we talk about things, and he said, 'Roberto, you have this role because we hold you in high regard.' They are proud to have me, and I'm proud to be a part of it. I continue to deliver for Danbury, and I understand that it must be frustrating when you're on the other side. You're one of twenty-one people on the city council. Republicans led the city for 22 years, and we've come in and just kept building on how great Danbury is, delivering incredible results. It must be frustrating that we received a unanimous endorsement from our firefighters for my campaign, which is the first time in over 22 years that they've done that. So, they grasp for straws, and here we are. I'm here, and I’m going to continue to do the great job that our team is doing, working tirelessly every day for the residents of this great city."

Listen to the rest of our chat about Coelho's comments below. 

Not only did I get the name wrong once, but I messed it up multiple times—that's the reality of live radio. The truth is, I’m still in pre-season form when it comes to campaign back-and-forth; I’m not fully warmed up yet. I do know better. I know Michael and Michelle from around the city and from many events we've attended together.

After the segment, I got a funny text from Michael, and thankfully, he wasn’t upset about me accidentally mixing him up with Michelle. Anyone who listens to the show knows that I start preparing for the battle for City Hall between the Republicans and Democrats in October. This was just so early, and I’m a bit rusty.

WAIT! There's more! We also talked to the Mayor about my issue with the use of leaf blowers to remove snow throughout the city. Then, we talked about the Governor, cheese and I had a real "moment" at the end that left the Mayor speechless. 

Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast on Apple and Spotify