Protecting Middletown

DeStefano and Rodrigues helped implement city-wide initiatives to protect Middletown residents during the pandemic. These initiatives included: 

• Providing PPE for emergency responders and public-facing employees
• Imposing a city-wide mask mandate
• Increased funding to St. Margaret's Soup Kitchen 
• Identifying home-bound seniors and executing home delivery 
• Assisting in lunch distribution with Middletown Schools
• Working with local businesses to establish curb-side pickup programs      

 Violent crime rates have continually dropped while DeStefano and Rodrigues have been in office. In fact, in 2020, the City of Middletown saw a 5% reduction in violent crime.  They have always worked closely with law enforcement to ensure they have the tools they need to protect themselves and our community. They also led the charge to provide $1.5 million in funding to require every city police officer to wear a body camera.  

While unrest was prevalent throughout the nation and the very important movement of Black Lives Matter was emerging, DeStefano and Rodrigues worked with community leaders and law enforcement to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for protest. They were joined by hundreds for a peaceful march to support the Black Lives Matter movement's messages including a call for change in police practices nationwide.