Councilman Tony Gennaro

05/27/2026

Hello Middletown-
Over the last several days, we’ve received many emails about the school budget, and I appreciate everyone reaching out.

Many appear to be form emails, (see actual example below) some still containing placeholders like “YOUR NAME…” and “YOUR REASON WHY HERE.”

We encourage everyone to keep sharing concerns, but please personalize your message so we can better understand community feedback during the budget process.
Thank you.

05/25/2026

‼️ PARADE IS CANCELED do to rain 🌧️ ‼️
Memorial Day Parade – City of Middletown 🇺🇸

The City of Middletown’s Memorial Day Parade will step off at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 25, 2026, with road closures beginning around 10:00 AM. Please plan accordingly and come out to support this important tradition.

🌧️ ☔️ ⛈️ *Rain cancelations will be reported by 9:00am*🌧️ ☔️ ⛈️

But as we gather for the parade, it’s important to remember the deeper meaning of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is not about the cheers of the parade, the long weekend, or the day off. It is about remembering the men and women who gave everything — their futures, their families, and their lives — so that we could have the freedoms we enjoy today.

Their sacrifice is the reason we wake up each morning in the greatest nation on earth. And those freedoms they defended are freedoms we must continue to honor, protect, and preserve.

Today, we remember not just how they died, but why they served.

May we never forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

🚨‼️BREAKING NEWS UPDATE ALERT 🚨‼️

The Middletown Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the community for their assistance during last week’s active investigation involving Christopher Lane.

Lane, who was wanted in connection with the shooting incident that occurred on Westlake Drive, has been taken into custody in Poughkeepsie, New York.

This arrest was the result of extensive investigative efforts, interagency cooperation, and information developed throughout the investigation. We appreciate the public’s patience and support during the large police presence and shelter-in-place advisories that were issued as officers worked to ensure the safety of our community.

Additional information and news release to follow…

The Middletown Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the community for their assistance during last week’s active investigation involving Christopher Lane.

Lane, who was wanted in connection with the shooting incident that occurred on Westlake Drive, has been taken into custody in Poughkeepsie, New York.

This arrest was the result of extensive investigative efforts, interagency cooperation, and information developed throughout the investigation. We appreciate the public’s patience and support during the large police presence and shelter-in-place advisories that were issued as officers worked to ensure the safety of our community.

Additional information and news release to follow…
Middletown Connecticut Community
What’s Happening in Middletown (Connecticut)
What's Really Happening Middletown CT
City of Middletown, Connecticut Government
The Middletown Press
NBC Connecticut
WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News
WTNH News 8
FOX61
Westfield FD
Cromwell Police Department
Connecticut State Police

05/19/2026

🚨SHELTER IN PLACE 🚨

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Middletown Police Department

The Middletown Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident in the city. At this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident and that the involved parties are known to one another. No injuries have been reported.

An armed suspect may currently be on foot in the area. Out of an abundance of caution, a Shelter in Place has been issued for the following areas:

* East Street
* Westlake Drive
* Smith Street
* Country Club Road
* Atkins Street

The suspect is described as a white male with long hair and a beard, last seen wearing all black clothing.

Residents in the affected area are urged to remain indoors, lock doors and windows, and immediately report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

Middletown PD , Cromwell PD, and CSP remain actively searching the area and additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Please avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct their investigation.

Middletown Connecticut Community
What’s Happening in Middletown (Connecticut)
What's Really Happening Middletown CT
City of Middletown, Connecticut Government
The Middletown Press
WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News
NBC Connecticut
WTNH News 8
FOX61

05/17/2026

Honored to again attend and celebrate the Feast of St. Sebastian in it’s 105th year of celebration of St. Sebastian Church.

For 105 years, this parish has been more than just a church — it has been a cornerstone of faith, family, tradition, and community. Generations have come through its doors, built lifelong connections, celebrated milestones, and carried forward the values that continue to strengthen our city today.

The Feast of St. Sebastian is always a special tradition, bringing people together in fellowship, reflection, and celebration. It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and community members gathered to honor this incredible milestone.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this celebration possible, and to the entire St. Sebastian community on 105 years of faith, service, and tradition. Here’s to many more years ahead. 🇺🇸 🙏 🇮🇹 ✝️ 🌹

05/15/2026

“The Republican budget would have kept the mill rate flat, and included cuts to discretionary spending and rollovers from the American Rescue Plan.”

“Our minority caucus presented a proposal focused on one simple goal, delivering a flat budget to taxpayers in our town,” deputy minority leader Anthony Gennaro said. “At some point, we have to stop treating every increase as unavoidable and start asking tougher questions about priorities, efficiencies, and what taxpayers can realistically afford.”

“The Republican budget failed in a 7-4 vote, with Democratic Council Member Grady Faulkner Jr. abstaining.”

Haven’t subscribed yet? Click here to subscribe. CT Examiner is just $20 a year. A one-month trial subscription is just $5. And if you want to unsubscribe? That’s online and […]

05/15/2026

🚨 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 🚨
Date: May 15, 2026

Two individuals were arrested Friday morning following an attempted robbery investigation in the area of Melilli Plaza.

At approximately 7:58 AM, witnesses reported two males threatening a victim with what appeared to be a handgun before fleeing the area on foot. Officers immediately responded, including drone operators and K9 teams.

A short time later, Middletown Police received another report of a male carrying a handgun in the area of Portland Street. Officers quickly secured the area, which included children on two separate school buses. During the investigation, witnesses observed the suspects enter an apartment building on Portland Street.

Officers made contact with a resident, and both suspects surrendered peacefully. The victim positively identified the suspects, and officers recovered evidence connected to the incident, including a facsimile firearm.

Latif Arnold, 20, and Sincere Arnold, 18, were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, Threatening, Risk of Injury to a Child, and Carrying a Facsimile Firearm.

Both were held on $750,000 surety bonds pending arraignment.

The Middletown Police Department would like to thank responding officers, drone operators, and K9 teams for their quick response and teamwork during the investigation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 15, 2026

Two individuals were arrested Friday morning following an attempted robbery investigation in the area of Melilli Plaza.

At approximately 7:58 AM, witnesses reported two males threatening a victim with what appeared to be a handgun before fleeing the area on foot. Officers immediately responded, including drone operators and K9 teams.

A short time later, Middletown Police received another report of a male carrying a handgun in the area of Portland Street. Officers quickly secured the area, which included children on two separate school buses. During the investigation, witnesses observed the suspects enter an apartment building on Portland Street.

Officers made contact with a resident, and both suspects surrendered peacefully. The victim positively identified the suspects, and officers recovered evidence connected to the incident, including a facsimile firearm.

Latif Arnold, 20, and Sincere Arnold, 18, were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, Threatening, Risk of Injury to a Child, and Carrying a Facsimile Firearm.

Both were held on $750,000 surety bonds pending arraignment.

The Middletown Police Department would like to thank responding officers, drone operators, and K9 teams for their quick response and teamwork during the investigation.

Middletown Connecticut Community
What’s Happening in Middletown (Connecticut)
What's Really Happening Middletown CT
City of Middletown, Connecticut Government
The Middletown Press
NBC Connecticut
WTNH News 8
WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News
FOX61

05/13/2026

2026-2027 Budget: 🚨 UPDATE 🚨 ‼️

Tonight, the Democratic budget proposal passed the Common Council by a vote of 8-4, and the Republican budget failed 7-4 with one Democratic council member abstaining.

While our Republican caucus’ proposed 0% flat budget with no tax increase, it did not prevail, I am incredibly proud of the work, time, and effort that went into developing an alternative plan focused on affordability, fiscal responsibility, and the concerns we have consistently heard from residents across our city.

Our proposal was built around the belief that Middletown families are feeling the pressure of rising costs and that government has a responsibility to look for efficiencies, control spending where possible, and seriously examine long-term sustainability.

Throughout this process, we worked collaboratively, reviewed countless line items, explored operational savings, and put forward what we believed was a responsible approach that protected core services while prioritizing taxpayers.

I want to thank my fellow caucus members for the many hours spent working through this budget, as well as the Mayor, Finance Department, Board of Education, department heads, city staff, and all council members who participated in this difficult process.

Even when there are disagreements on approach, everyone involved cares deeply about the future of Middletown and the people we serve.

The work continues.