Charles Montalbano For City Clerk

I have known Charles Montalbano for more than 30 years. I have watched him raise a family, build a business, energize a youth soccer league, and lead several community service groups to new heights. Thinking about the qualities that Charlie has brought to those endeavors, three things come to mind: commitment, competence, and character.

Commitment –Many of us get involved in doing things. We say, “Yes that’s a worthy thing, I want to be involved”. When we do that, we show interest, but there's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in being involved in something, you help out only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you bend circumstances to fit your commitment. You produce results, not excuses. For as long as I’ve known him, Charlie has never shown interest. He has only made commitments. Charlie keeps his word, and his commitments. He will do what he says. You can bank on it. 

Competence- Competence means exceeding expectations when given a task to complete. It’s the ability to think on your feet, to make changes in a plan seamlessly, and accomplish goals when unforeseen circumstances and events threaten the completion of a mission. Charlie is a competent leader because he has the ability to inspire talented people to help him complete a difficult undertaking. They share their expertise, time, and energy to complete a team’s mission or goal beyond expectations. That ability makes Charlie highly competent.

Character – A person of high character does the right things, for the right reasons, over a long period of time. It means behaving in such a way as to inspire that same virtuous behavior in others. To set an example of behavior that other right minded people will emulate. It’s being truthful and candid, and above board in all your activities. Someone once said that your new friend will tell you things that you want to hear. Your best friend will tell you things you need to hear. Charlie is not afraid to say what needs to be said or do what’s needed to be done.

Doing something for the right reason, as it pertains to civic work means pursuing a goal or endeavor without regard to personal enrichment. You don’t worry about what you’re going to get out of it. What’s in it for me is not part of the decision making process.  I challenge anyone to state how Charlie ever benefited from any altruistic, or voluntary venture he has ever embarked on. It’s not something he thinks about.

For the time I have known him, Charlie Montalbano has met the standards of commitment, competence and character again and again. There is no question that he will meet these standards as City Clerk for the City of Milford.