Community members, supporters, and longtime residents gathered at Old Erie Brew Pub in downtown Middletown on Aug. 11 to back Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano’s campaign for reelection. The evening event underscored the progress the city has made under Mayor DeStefano’s leadership and his vision for an even more vibrant, inclusive future.
Mayor DeStefano, who has served the city for decades, reflected on his administration’s accomplishments and shared a forward-looking message grounded in community connection, public safety, and revitalization.
“Every time I’ve run, I’ve run on basically a very simple platform,” said DeStefano. “A cleaner, safer community where people can live, work or play, raise their family, and enjoy life… I think we’ve done that.”
Among the tangible achievements he listed were significant infrastructure upgrades, revitalized downtown areas, a growing business climate, and expanded educational institutions such as Touro Medical School, SUNY Orange, and the Northern Academy.
“You walk downtown and see the improvements, but it’s also how people feel. And I think people feel very good about this community right now,” DeStefano said.
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Looking to the future, DeStefano emphasized deepening the city’s outreach into neighborhoods and increasing support for small businesses, recreation, and inclusive growth.
“We’ve reduced crime by 50 percent. We want this community to be the premier community when it comes to raising a family,” he said, noting the city’s work with local schools and senior services. “We know our responsibilities and commitment to our residents, and we’re able to balance the two.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Accessibility
When asked how he ensures his administration remains accessible, DeStefano pointed to a strong commitment to transparency and direct engagement:
“I try to walk the entire city every four years. I knock on doors. I meet with people in their neighborhoods. I believe people deserve answers — maybe not always the one they want — but they deserve an honest response.”
He also highlighted Middletown’s public meetings, outreach to community and religious groups, and digital platforms such as CivicPlus that keep residents informed.
“Face-to-face communication is the best. We take that extra step.”
Local Leaders Applaud Mayor’s Impact
Among the event’s attendees was Attorney Ronald S. Kossar, a lifelong area resident who spoke candidly about the transformation he has seen.
“When he started, it was pretty desolate… a lot of empty storefronts,” Kossar said. “But Mayor DeStefano has a vision, and he made it happen,” he said.
Kossar praised the contributions of immigrant communities, particularly Hispanic, Indian, and Chinese residents, in restoring vitality to Middletown. He credited the mayor for fostering an environment where newcomers could invest, renovate, and grow.
“They did a beautiful job bringing the buildings back to life,” Kossar said. “We should be very proud.”
Michael Sussman, a longtime civil rights attorney and candidate for Orange County Executive, echoed this sentiment. While not always aligned politically with the mayor, he acknowledged DeStefano’s enduring presence and inclusive efforts.
“He’s [been] the dominant political figure in Middletown for the last 35 years… In this iteration of his leadership, there’s been a lot more inclusion of different groups,” Sussman said.
Sussman highlighted the importance of integrating diverse communities fully into civic life, not just economically, but socially, and politically.
“We need synergy that each group can bring. It’s critical people participate together, across group lines, and understand what they have in common.”
He added that county resources should be used to support cities like Middletown in housing and job training, noting, “We’re not doing that now, but we should.”
‘Middletown is on the Move’
Maria Gracia, chair of the Middletown City Democratic Committee, offered a personal reflection on her lifelong connection to the city and its current renaissance.
“I remember Middletown as a little girl when it was like it is now,” said Gracia. “Mayor DeStefano has brought it back.”
She applauded the city’s improved public safety, enhanced recreation options, and efforts to support the most vulnerable, such as through the warming station and community programs.
“We get a lot back because of Mayor DeStefano’s leadership,” she said. “I feel safe coming downtown in the evenings, having dinner, walking back to the parking lot. Middletown is on the move.”
A City Focused on Community
Whether in long-standing infrastructure improvements, neighborhood engagement, or welcoming new residents and business owners, Mayor DeStefano and his team have sought to make Middletown a city where people want to live, grow, and contribute.
“If you have a community where people want to live, families want to come, go to school, recreate, and enjoy their families, then I’ve done my job,” said DeStefano.
As the city looks to its next chapter, the mayor’s message is clear: Middletown’s success is built on unity, accessibility, and pride in shared progress.
