About Us

 Joseph M. DeStefano was born in the City of Middletown on May 26, 1958 and has lived here his entire life. 

He is the third child of four siblings -Carmen, Louis Jr., and Maria - born to Louis and Teresa DeStefano. He and his wife Linda were married in 1987 and reside in the City of Middletown’s Second Ward. They share two daughters, Nicole and Alessandra, and three grandchildren: Elijah, Rosalia and Emmanuel. 

He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and graduated from Middletown High School in 1976. He immediately entered SUNY Orange at Middletown, then transferred to Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

In 1981, he worked as a staff accountant for Channel Master Inc., located in Ellenville, New York. He then opened a family restaurant with his parents in Middletown’s Little Italy section. In 1998, he was a partner in two successful downtown businesses and his family continues ownership of the Olde Erie Pub & Grille located on West Main St. in Middletown.

 
In 1983 he campaigned for political office for the first time, Alderman First Ward in Middletown. Following his election to that position in 1983, DeStefano would go on to be re-elected four times. In 1992, he stepped down as Alderman and was appointed as Chairman of the City of Middletown Planning Board. DeStefano was then elected as City of Middletown Mayor in 1993 and served until 2005. He went on to be re-elected to the office of Mayor again in 2009, 2013 and 2017. He also currently serves as Chairman of the City of Middletown Police Commission.

 
DeStefano also held the position of Orange County Democratic Chairman from 1992 – 1993. In 2020, he was elected as a national delegate for United States President, Joseph R. Biden.

DeStefano is a member of the Middletown Elks Club Lodge 1097, Middletown Lions Club, and St. Joseph’s Parish.  

 J. Miguel Rodrigues was born in Lisbon, Portugal and at the age of 7, his family immigrated to the United States. He graduated from Middletown High School, Orange County Community College and SUNY Empire. Rodrigues is the Director of Emergency Management / Incident Commander for Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. 

Rodrigues served as Alderman of the 3rd Ward from 2004 to 2010 and currently serves as the Alderman at Large. In 2014, he was appointed to the City of Middletown Police Commission. Rodrigues oversees the City of Middletown budget and has continuously fought to keep taxes low. He works with elected State and Federal Officials to ensure State and Federal grants that help improve our city, parks and streets.

Rodrigues is a 20+ year volunteer Firefighter in the City of Middletown, serving as Captain of the Waalkill Engine Co. # 6 for eight years. Miguel is a member of numerous civic organizations including Middletown Elks, and is a volunteer for Middletown Youth Football. Rodrigues married his high school sweetheart, Wendy Canonico, in 1999, and they settled in Pilgrim Estates in the City. He and Wendy are the proud parents of four children, Kevin, Kristian, Natalie, and Noah.

“I bought my house when I was 23 and I enjoy serving our Great City of Middletown”