At least one Danbury leader believes that the mayor’s salary should better reflect the responsibilities of running a fast-growing city with a $295 million budget. Paul Rotello, the City Council’s Democratic Minority Leader, argued that the mayor of Danbury should be paid more, regardless of political affiliation. He believes that increasing the salary would attract more talented individuals to run for mayor, broadening the talent pool.
Rotello specifically referenced the time commitment required for the position, which often deters potential candidates who prioritize family life. By offering a more competitive salary, Rotello believes that individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications would be more inclined to consider the role. He expressed this sentiment regardless of the mayor’s political affiliations, as he had previously voiced his opinion about the salary under former mayors Gene Eriquez and Mark Boughton.
Danbury operates under a strong mayor form of government, meaning the incumbent oversees the city’s various departments, directs the annual budget process, speaks for city functions and operations, and maintains a full calendar of meetings and events. Mayor Joe Cavo, a Republican, sits in on an average of 10 meetings per workday, highlighting the demanding workload that comes with the role.
However, Mayor Cavo highlighted that his salary already reflects the accomplishments and results of his administration. He explained that Danbury’s mayor salary ranks 32nd out of 169 municipalities, despite Danbury being the seventh-largest municipality in the state. Cavo believes that this demonstrates his commitment to finding every possible dollar to invest in the city and its residents.
A salary analysis conducted by Hearst Connecticut Media revealed that compensation for chief executive officers in municipalities with populations of at least 10,000 varied greatly. While some CEOs earned as little as $15,000, the majority received salaries exceeding $100,000. Over two dozen CEOs had salaries surpassing $150,000.
When discussing the issue, Michael Safranek, Danbury’s Republican party leader, argued that the mayor’s salary reflects the motivation behind serving the city. Safranek suggested that if Cavo were running a corporation with a $300 million budget, his salary would likely be ten times higher. He commended the fact that being Danbury’s mayor is not primarily about money, but rather a love for the job. Safranek pointed out that raising campaign funds of $150,000 for a position that pays $130,000 is a demonstration of one’s dedication and passion.
While opinions differ on whether the mayor’s salary in Danbury should be higher, it is clear that the debate stems from a desire to attract the most qualified candidates to guide the city’s continued growth. The increased responsibilities and time commitment require a salary that reflects these demands. However, Mayor Cavo maintains that his administration’s accomplishments and commitment to efficient budget allocation justify his current salary. With the mayoral election approaching in November, this discussion will likely continue to be a point of interest among the leadership and residents of Danbury.
