As Middletown heads into the 2025 General Election—with early voting running from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2, and Election Day on Nov. 4—Mayor Joseph DeStefano is seeking another term to continue the work he says has helped restore confidence, safety, and pride in his hometown.
“I’m a native of Middletown,” DeStefano said. “I was born here, raised here, raised my children here, and now my grandchildren live here. I have a passion for the community and the people. Middletown has been good to me and my family, and I want to continue giving back.”
DeStefano, who first took office in the early 1990s, said his motivation remains deeply personal. “When I was growing up in the 70s, the city was taking a turn for the worse—people were leaving, businesses were leaving. I felt I could be part of the solution,” he said. “As long as I believe I’m doing a good job, and the people believe I’m doing a good job, I’ll continue to serve.”
Restoring confidence and building community
Looking back over his years in office, DeStefano points to an achievement that can’t be seen on a balance sheet: the change in people’s outlook.
“One thing you don’t see—but feel—is people’s attitude,” he explained. “We were able to take a community that was down on itself and really restore confidence that we can be a viable city where families can thrive and businesses can succeed.”
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That confidence, he said, comes from practical results. “Since 2010, we’ve reduced crime by 50 percent. We’ve revitalized downtown and neighborhoods, improved commercial corridors like Dolson Avenue, and made the city more walkable and bikeable.”
He also highlighted the city’s work restoring landmarks such as the historic O&W train station and transforming the former Middletown Psychiatric Center into a hub for new development, including Feitian College.
Priorities for the next term
If re-elected, DeStefano said his top priorities will focus on affordability, stability, and sustainability.
“We’re a small city of about 30,000 people,” he said. “My priorities are to provide a safe, clean city where families can thrive—working with our school district, providing affordable housing, and maintaining financial stability.”
He noted that Middletown has kept taxes below the state tax cap for 12 consecutive years, and is now expanding affordable housing options in partnership with the Middletown Housing Authority, adding 100 new units and renovating 199 more. “We also passed Good Cause Eviction, which protects tenants from double-digit rent increases,” he said. “We want to make the city more affordable for people who live here.”
Another major initiative is the city’s reservoir system project, which positions Middletown as a wholesaler of water and sewer services to nearby communities. “It’s a tremendous revenue source,” said DeStefano. “It’ll help stabilize our water and sewer rates and subsidize property taxes. That’s financial sustainability for the future.”
Affordable housing and quality of life
DeStefano said the city’s approach to housing balances affordability with livability. “We need more inventory—that’s what will bring costs down,” he said. “We’re adding affordable units, renovating others, and also helping renters become homeowners through our homebuyer program. Some people are paying less for a mortgage than they did for rent.”
Beyond housing, he wants Middletown to remain a city that feels like home. “We’ve created an Architectural Review Board to protect the character of downtown buildings,” he said. “We’re renovating the old O&W station into a $43 million mixed-use welcome center, and we provide rehab loans to help residents stay in their homes. It’s about preserving our hometown feel while growing smart.”
Public safety through partnership
Public safety, he emphasized, goes beyond policing. “We’ve reduced crime by half, but we’re also addressing root causes,” DeStefano said. “We work with organizations like Hope Not Handcuffs and Fearless! for domestic violence. We’ve embedded a social services coordinator in City Hall to help families in crisis instead of just arresting people.”
The city collaborates with faith-based and community groups to help those in need, from youth programs to homelessness services. “We have recreation programs seven days a week—from boxing to crochet,” he said with a smile. “Our goal is to keep kids engaged, families supported, and neighborhoods strong.”
Inclusivity and community engagement
DeStefano has also made inclusivity a hallmark of his leadership. “We work with every community—Mexican, Colombian, Asian, you name it,” he said. “We hold multicultural events and meet regularly with community leaders to understand their needs.”
He also noted that the city provides municipal ID cards to undocumented residents so they can access libraries, schools, and local services. “We’re not here to judge—we’re here to help,” he said. “We look at people as people. That’s what small cities can do.”
Looking ahead: A 10–20 year vision
DeStefano’s long-term vision for Middletown includes continued revitalization, youth opportunity, and stronger regional collaboration.
“We’re getting younger,” he said, noting the growing presence of Feitian College, SUNY Orange, and Touro Medical College. “I want to see more jobs, better public transportation, and stronger connections between neighborhoods, schools, and downtown. Communities thrive when people can take a 15-minute walk or bike ride to the heart of their city.”
Keeping Middletown clean and safe is non-negotiable, he added. “The three keys to a successful downtown are safety, security, and cleanliness. We pick up trash seven days a week—that’s how you build pride.”
A message to voters
As the city approaches early voting, DeStefano’s message to residents—especially new or first-time voters—is simple but urgent.
“Your vote is your voice,” he said. “If we want Middletown to be strong, we have to show up. When only a few hundred people vote, state and county officials don’t take us seriously. Voting shows that we care about our community.”
Leading with heart
Asked how he’ll measure success in his next term, DeStefano said it’s not just about buildings or infrastructure. “It’s about being open and accessible,” he said. “I don’t have a magic wand, but I try to help everyone who walks into my office. If I can look back and know I gave it my best and made a real difference—that’s success to me.”
With his focus on practical solutions, compassion, and long-term stability, Mayor Joseph DeStefano continues to lead Middletown with what he calls a “hands-on and heart-first” approach—one that blends old-fashioned community values with a modern vision for the future.
