MILFORD — In the aftermath of the Democratic election romp, a former Republican Party leader is blasting the ousted officials, drawing ire from fellow GOP members.
Peter Spalthoff, former Republican Town Committee chairman, who was appointed to the Economic Development Commission by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., said he saw the writing on the wall before Nov. 6 and chalked up the major loss for the GOP to a weak Republican Party that lacked strong leadership from its elected officials.
Spalthoff claimed Wednesday that the party was stymied by a lack of leadership on city boards and commissions, leading to Democrats seizing a majority of the aldermanic, school, and planning and zoning boards.
“Over the past three years, the town has been inundated with the many negative issues such as the prospect of spending money at Eisenhower Park, taxes being increased due to the revaluation process, the (former Superintendent of Schools) Dr. (Gregory) Firn debacle, draining on all those involved directly as well as the community as a whole,” Spalthoff said.
He maintained former school board Chairwoman Cindy Kopazna “would have done everyone justice just to step down,” following the way the matter involving Firn was handled. Firn left the district this year after reaching a separation agreement with the board. Kopazna, who won a tight election in the 3rd District to retain her seat on the school board, said she was “shocked” to learn that Spalthoff said he felt that way because he previously defended her handling of the situation.
“I think that I demonstrated responsible leadership,” she said.
Spalthoff’s comments also weren’t taken lightly by other party members, including current Republican Town Chairman Win Smith Jr.
“Peter is a member of the Republican Town Committee and I don’t recall him adding his guidance,” Smith said. “Where was his wisdom in this period?”
While Spalthoff said he “honestly believes the mayor is doing a good job,” Smith saw his comments as an insult to Richetelli.
“Right now, the Republican Party is led by a mayor that was resoundingly reelected,” Smith said. “Jim Richetelli is the titular head of the party and is doing a great job. If he criticizes the leadership of the party, he is criticizing the mayor.”
Richetelli did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Spalthoff characterized the GOP as “weak”, but denied there was any major rift inside the party.
Jack Fowler, also a former Republican Town Committee chairman and current committee member, said, “Of course hindsight in 20-20,” dismissing Spalthoff’s claim he predicted the outcome of the election.
“What we need is 20-20 foresight,” Fowler said. And he hopes the bloodletting from this election will bring new people with new ideas to the GOP for the January caucus, where committee members will be chosen.
As Republicans begin to regroup and look ahead they’re calling on Democrats to take the lead and make good on their campaign promises.
