Wife: Vitiello honest, fair, thoughtful

Rich and I have been married for 19 years. You can say I know him well!  He brings excellent credentials to the city council race and I believe he is the most qualified. As his wife, I would probably be expected to make that statement, but please let me share the person I know, love and respect with the rest of you. 

 

When I met Rich he was a single guy, and I was a single mother of four girls. It took me six months before I felt he was the right one to meet the girls.  Almost immediately, I saw a bond form between the girls and Rich. He worked hard to earn the title Daddy from that day forward. 

 

Together, we have raised my four daughters, and they are ours. They call him “Daddy” because he worked hard to gain and keep their trust by showing them love, compassion and being the best father any one of them could ask for. For those who know our family, it’s impossible not to witness the connection Rich has with our girls.

 

Apart from his fatherly charm and great personality, Rich has always been able to speak well with others. He doesn’t talk to others, he speaks with others. His ability to cultivate and maintain friendships with high school friends, past and present business associates, softball players, neighbors and community leaders amazes me.  

 

We often walk through our community where people come up to greet him or a friendly “Hi, Rich” is received. We have lived here nine years, and he knows so many people. He simply connects with people. He is always ready to help others or make introductions so that connections are made and problems can be solved. This may be why our neighbors support Rich and proudly display their “Vote for Rich” signs. It is a blessing and for me and a true reflection of his good moral character. It humbles me.

 

I have read some of the awful comments made on the blogs by the other side and that opponent’s supporters. These are unjustified attacks on my husband’s personal character. None of these negative comments could be further from the truth and it simply infuriates me. 

 

Rich knows these comments are out there, but he also knows that there’s no point to argue with someone who is bent on slandering his character, instead of having a rational discussion. He would say, “It’s not good business,” and then follow to explain that it is the same group of people backing another person for office.

 

As his wife, I want to address those who have not met or have not been tainted by the few that choose to throw insults. Rich has a passion for this community, and he proves it every day. He never ran for a political office before, but to most voters that doesn’t disqualify him from running for office. He is conservative, but not dogmatic. He doesn’t look at things only one way – he looks at the big picture of what is best and right, not what is convenient.

 

In many respects, City Council is not far from the world of business. In his career, Rich oversaw countless projects from start to finish. His approach to making decisions and work ethics will truly serve the people of Maricopa. He understands that relationships are crucial and are most important when building a successful team in order to get the job done. Rich will be an asset in City Council.