Vincent Mauro's Cultural Life
The influential New Haven Democrat wants to hit curveballs as well as he throws them. Vincent Mauro offers blunt advice to aspiring politicians as he leaves state government for a new career.
Vincent Mauro, Jr., has served as the chief of staff to Senate President Martin Looney for —- years. He is sometimes referred to as the 37th senator in the 36 member chamber. That understates his role on crucial occasions, when is the 1st senator. Mauro’s influence is enhanced by his role as head of the New Haven Democratic party organization, a disciplined operation that has, to the frustration of Republicans, provided the winning margin of victory in three of the last four gubernatorial elections. As Mauro prepares to depart the Senate Democrats for the private sector on December 1st, he provides a candid look at his cultural life.
Favorite author or book.
Anything by Tom Clancy, David Halberstam or Vince Flynn
Best quote from a Clancy book:
“If you kick a tiger in the ass you better have a plan for the teeth when he turns around.”
The book you are reading.
Chip Wars by Chris Miller and I just finished Paddy Whacked by T.J. English.
The book you couldn’t finish.
There are two of them:
The Social Skills Guidebook by Chris Macleod
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
For some reason I had no idea what the hell they were talking about…
(Sarcasm included)
[Editor’s note: An audiobook of How to Win Friends is available here for free. It has assisted many people make their way through this tough old world.]
Most memorable live performance.
October 25, 1986
It was game 6 of the Red Sox/Mets World Series and as Red Sox fan was supposed to my day of jubilee and the end of me getting the shit beat out of me by my cousins for being a Red Sox fan. But it was also the Billy Joel concert in New Haven at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. It was my first concert and I ended up watching the end of the game in the bar. We all know how that worked out and the beatings continued until 2004.
Your best binges.
Food-Modern Pizza, Trinity Pub and Portofinos
Cigars- Foundation Cigars (the owner is a New Haven guy)
Red Sox games
Favorite TV series.
It’s too cliche to say Sopranos so I’ll go with The Wire. Wendell Pierce’s character Bunk is my favorite.
A YouTube video you find yourself returning to.
What’s YouTube?
Favorite piece of music.
Something that goes well with a beer in your hand.
The music that cheers you up.
The theme that composes the lead up to the NFL RedZone as the host Scott Hanson announces “7 hours of commercial free football begins Now”
Truly inspiring music! ;)
If you could own one painting it would be…..
The original Norman Rockwell behind Governor Lamont’s desk (but I’m cheating that’s the only piece of art I have seen up close in person).
The lyrics you wish you’d written.
The poem/song that makes you wonder.
What did the guy who wrote Happy Birthday actually get out of it ??
The instrument you wish you’d learned to play.
None. But I wish I learned how to hit a curveball or plug a gap properly.
Your guiltiest cultural pleasure.
I’m down to very few vices but I’ll still take the 5th on this one.
You wasted an evening…….
Outside of waiting out some lengthy filibusters (but those count for too many evenings), I’d say giving advice that no one listened to…. And waiting for a parlay to not hit.
Something that ought to be better known.
How to parallel park a f’n car!!
Seriously do they not teach that anymore??
A recent discovery.
Sometimes I ask people, “Do you want the honest answer? Because I’m not known for writing Hallmark cards.” So giving honest answers sometimes means you need to preface it with a dose of “You’re not going to like it.”
Two podcasts you try not to miss.
Am I now considered a “Swiftie” if I say the New Heights podcast with the Kelce Brothers?
Or am I an asshole if I say I like Barstool Sports?
You’re having a fantasy dinner party, you’ll invite these guests…..
Kevin Rennie but he has to bring all his sources that fill Daily Ructions so I can know who the rats are;).
Actually it would be my mother cooking for my father and family at the kitchen table in the house I grew up in on Edgewood Ave.
[Editor’s note: Now You Know is lightly edited. Sources, who serve a vital role in a free society, should know they will never be revealed. Their presence together at a dinner party would create some tensions. Who would want that?]
The place you feel happiest.
Not a single physical location. It’s about who you are with and the laughs, sweat and tears that come with those moments.
So it could be anywhere, but would require my dog Rocco next to me.
The book, movie and/or television series every young person aspiring to a life in politics should read or watch.
I think people watch too much tv spend too much time in the social media world. I would tell someone to go out and get some bumps and bruises.
Your favorite depiction of New Haven.
New Haven is so much more than a place or depiction to me. It’s me. I have ELM CITY tattooed on my shoulder!
New Haven is a place that you either get it or you don’t.
Thank you , Vincent Mauro.
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This week we mark the 60th anniversary of one of the grimmest days in American history, the assassination of President Kennedy as he reached the end of a motorcade through Dallas. Mrs. Kennedy said books made her husband who he was. Here are some of his favorites.
President Kennedy also enjoyed Broadway. In 1962, he attended a performance of the Pulitzer Prize winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He particularly enjoyed Robert Morse’s I Believe in You.