New Haven Independent

Posted by: Our Town | March 8, 2007 12:29 PM

Simply amazing! I guess working the campaign trail really pays off.

There might be another story here for that NBC crew.

Posted by: Ken Krayeske | March 8, 2007 12:42 PM

So, it appears that if you work for a gubernatorial campaign that loses big and suppresses the rights of other candidates, you will be promoted.

First, Derek Slapp, DeStefano's debate negotiator who conspired and actively worked to keep minor parties out of the televised debates, is now the chief of staff in the Secretary of State's office, the constitutional office charged with protecting democracy.

And now Smuts, who I met on the campaign trail, and who I would guess had some input on the decision to silence candidates Cliff Thornton and Joe Zdonczyk, gets a promotion.

Whether or not Slapp and Smuts are capable or competent, they have demonstrated lapses of judgment with regards to open democracy and equal participation that must be questioned.

The system that rewards such individual ambition to the detriment of the commons must be challenged.

Posted by: pinkbicycle | March 8, 2007 2:12 PM

And your point is what! This is how the world works my friend. What did you tell your kids who were looking for jobs--I was told make your relationships, work hard and make friends. Mr. Smuts has ability, talent and good sense. If we don't have young people in these jobs, we lose them. If we don't tap into the talent pool that is Yale, what is the point. We want Yale's money why not the talented people who come out of there. Stop being so fucking synical. There is no conspiracy. The Mayor ran for Governor-good for him and good for New HAven. Why wouldn't you want your mayor to run for Governor. We need people running for office--and not just the very rich. The Mayor isn't rich, did not come from rich family and has done a a great job of navigating this City--God knows he has his work cut out with only a few talented people on the BOA--not to mention the ones who quite becaus of scandal--so what. Kudos to Mr Smuts and Viva the Mayor! A campaign is about getting your messgae out--this isn't about playing nice in the sand box. It is easy for us to sit online and talk shit without ever get off our butts to run for office. Try it and then come back and weight in.

Posted by: Fairhavengal | March 8, 2007 2:58 PM

Good job Mayor DeStefano! Rob is a great choice! Rob will be a fantastic CAO!

Posted by: Chris | March 8, 2007 3:29 PM

Pinkbcycle is dead on. Rob is the not only most capable, but gets community. He is humble, intelligent, and good humored. I am only too happy to see the Mayor surrounding himself with conscientious talent. If Rob didn't work so hard as a public servant, the campaign work issue would stick, but on every occasion I have seen him both "on duty" and off duty- he has been a stand up guy. Skeptic is fair, cynic off base.

Posted by: charlie | March 8, 2007 3:33 PM

I agree with PinkBicycle. And I think all of City Hall should be heavily staffed with Yale graduates (or maybe Harvard). That's the only way this City will ever work. New York City is practically run by Yale graduates so why not New Haven, too?

Posted by: K | March 8, 2007 5:55 PM

I also agree with the last two posters.

Rob started working for the mayor before the whole campaign started. He is incredibly smart and capable, and DeStefano was right to say that there are few people in or out of City Hall know the city government as well as Rob. He definitely deserves a more independent position like this.

Congrats, Rob!

Posted by: Brad | March 8, 2007 7:10 PM

Charlie: George W. Bush would qualify under your proposal. Would you like him running our city?

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | March 8, 2007 8:57 PM

I Wonder If He Is Part Of The Order Of Skull And Bones!!!

Posted by: my goodness | March 8, 2007 9:49 PM

I will only say it is very clear to me that nobody commenting here worked with Rob. Yes he is a nice guy, yes he is a puppet on a string, ut he knows it. His goals are well beyond New Haven, and I hope he does well.

However, he is not qualified to do the job, this is another payback by the mayor. Remember, Rob and Derek, were able to leavem use no vaction time or sick time and have the position held. tell me, when Derek left did he collect on accrued vacation or sick time?

Rob should indeed run from the mayor. Here's a suggestion FOI his emails for the past year, and see what you find about having things worked out because the mayor knew the person, or needed the cash. I really don't have any interest in all this since I have decided to move on after being born and raised in New Haven, and serving the city most of my life. I am sad to leave, and sadder still to see my homes set to crumble. By the way. I voted every election, and never for the current administration in the past eight years. Good luck!!

Posted by: jacob | March 9, 2007 2:33 AM

At least if Bush were the mayor of New Haven, things would be better for the rest of the country!

Posted by: charlie | March 9, 2007 10:52 AM

Actually, Brad, 4 of the past 6 U.S. Presidents (and 5 of the past 7 once Hillary is elected next year) would qualify under that particular proposal.

And although it's obviously impossible to tell, I think all of them would fine running a small city like this. All of them would have their powers limited by a 95% Democratic Board of Aldermen.

Posted by: baile27 | March 9, 2007 11:01 PM

Rob Smuts is definitely capable of doing a great job (no matter what it is). He is intelligent, quick on his feet, and he works his butt off. He deserves to be promoted and I'm confident he will do a great job. As a member of the BOA (hopefully one of the smarter ones), I look forward to working with Rob.