Mr. Rocco Frank: Nomination for Sale

I am registered as a U but I was a big supporter of both Mayor Lisman and Mayor Richetelli. I pay attention and try to see through the nonsense from both Parties. I have to say though that this Rocco Frank guy is off the chart. He has run for countless offices and lost each and every time. I now in his comments and blog posts that he has decided to start denying he ever tried to sell his Party's nomination. I guess he thinks no one will remember. He's a piece of work! Anyway, for those that may nopt remember, here is the original article about the incident, in which Rocco admits he tried to sell the nomination. Good for Joy and Blake for telling him to pond sand. Who would want the nomination after this?

Milford mayoral candidate offers to trade endorsement for City Hall job

By Brian McCready, Milford Bureau Chief

Posted: 08/14/11, 12:00 AM EDT |

MILFORD -- The Milford Independent Party candidate for mayor is offering his endorsement to the Democratic or Republican candidates -- along with the hundreds of potential votes that come with it -- on one condition: He gets a paid City Hall job -- preferably deputy mayor -- if the person he endorses wins.

Rocco Frank's offer shocked Republican mayoral candidate Bernard F. Joy Jr., who Saturday said he immediately recalled the political scandal involving former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich was convicted of trying to sell the former U.S. Senate seat of now President Barack Obama.

"It's the first thing that came to my mind," Joy said. "This has to be borderline illegal. I was absolutely shocked by the nature of the conversation Did I really hear him say that?"

Frank, 42, who is the chairman of the Milford Independent Party, said Saturday he admits shopping his endorsement to Republicans and Democrats. But he stressed there was no shakedown, and this is just part of the political process.

"My party members want more than just words and empty promises. They want assurances, meaning at the very least a guarantee of one, meaningful, full-time position like a deputy mayor or something other than nothing," said Frank, while adding he's happy with his current job as a computer repair technician.

Frank, who has unsuccessfully run for local and state office several times, said by refusing his request, Democrats and Republicans are showing they will not work with and do not respect independents.

Frank said as deputy mayor, he could pick independents to serve on political boards and commissions. He also defended his request for a job by saying the deputy mayor position is essentially ceremonial, and does not have any real power. The job pays $60,000 a year.

Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith said he is unsure whether "Frank completely understands the gravity of what he has done or just how outlandish his request was."

"To be offering your party's nomination in exchange for a promise of a paid job is at least unethical and perhaps even illegal," Smith said.

Frank said he's done nothing wrong. He said if the democrats win the election they will "clean house," and select democrats to receive paid positions. After ten years, Republican Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. is not running for re-election.

Police spokesman Officer Jeffrey Nielsen said Saturday no criminal complaints have been filed, and he declined further comment.

"I'm really surprised that they'd use such inflammatory comments," Frank said. "We didn't ask for anything that they wouldn't give members of their own party. I couldn't go back to my party with an empty hat. Our demands were reasonable."

Despite being rebuffed by Democrats and Republicans, Frank decided to endorse Democratic Mayoral candidate Ben Blake, but was rebuffed. Frank said its "regrettable" Blake did not accept his party's endorsement for mayor. He said in the last local election, two independent candidates received 1,900 votes, which could easily tilt an election.

Frank said he has decided to keep his name on the ballot.

Joy said Frank told him he'd lose the election.

"If I lose the campaign over something that goes against my principles I'm OK with that," Joy said. "I'll be able to sleep at night."

Smith said he believes Independents in the city would not support Frank's efforts to secure a job for himself "by selling his party's nomination."

"It reassures me that both the Republican and Democratic candidate told Mr. Frank to take his offer and not let the door hit him on his way out," Smith said.

Joy stressed there are a lot of "good people" in the Milford Independent Party, and it's unfortunate the actions of one person will adversely affect the whole group.