“We should be equal or ahead of other area cities in growth,” Davis said. “For the past 10 years, we’ve been going down the same road in my opinion.”
The Trafalgar Court resident said he is“not a politician” and that he only wants the best for the city, which he feels needs a change of pace. He also said running for council is not going to be a steppingstone to other offices for him. This is his first run for public office.
“I feel under the current town council the needs of the city (are) being neglected, the opinions of the citizens (are) not being heard, and it needs to change,” he said.
Davis, 61, said the biggest challenge Middletown faces is in public safety.
MORE: Read more on the candidates on the Journal-News Voter Guide
“Businesses won’t come to the city if their employees don’t feel safe,” he said. “We’re understaffed. The FBI analysis said we should have 20 to 25 more police officers for a city with our population.”
Davis said police and firefighters need to have more training and newer equipment.
If elected, Davis said he will need to do some learning to understand how the city operates as well as learn more about public safety issues and attracting more businesses. He also said he would like to find opportunities for children for recreation and work on city streets.
“I want to know everything, both sides, before I make any decisions,” he said.
Davis said he is “a patriot who has served his country and wants to serve his city.” He also said if he is not elected, that he will continue to help the city in addition to his volunteer work with children and veterans.
As for the homelessness issue that has become controversial in the past few weeks, Davis said the city “needs to take care of ours first” before helping others from other cities. However, he admits he did not have an answer on how to solve the problem.
Davis also thought that council’s recent discipline of the city manager was “lenient.”
“The punishment should have been harsher,” Davis said. “A city officials does not go into a business and lose their temper.”
He said that he would have wanted more information and possibly would have asked for the city manager’s resignation.
Middletown City Council members receive $5,000 aper year in compensation during their four-year term of office.
Perry Davis
Age: 61
Employment: Engineering technician, Northrup-Grumman, Fairfield
Family: Single; five grown children, three grandchildren
Residency: 20 years
Other: Navy veteran; Fraternal Order of Police Associates-Middletown president; ground safety specialist/member of Team Fastraxx; former reserve police officer in Jacksonville, Fla.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/Perry-Davis-For-City-Council
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