Checking off several “cornerstones” her administration would be built upon, Democrat Dorinda Keenan Borer ended weeks of speculation and announced a run for the party’s nomination for mayor in November. Borer’s announcement makes her the third Democrat to seek the nod but becomes the odds-on favorite over former Mayor Edward M. O’Brien and Eighth District Councilman Victor Borras, both of whom announced earlier this year.
The announcement, last Thursday, saw a large contingent of supporters and family members at the shore, and gave Borer the forum she needed to enumerate the reasons she is seeking the office.
Her speech recounted her early life and professional experiences, as well as those political offices she has held, all of which gave her certain knowledge, or honed certain talents. Those became cornerstones upon which her administration would be built. They included marketing, drawing on her master’s degree in communication and marketing, related to that communication and transparency, and finally compromise as learned in her recent experience in the state capitol, where she has served on several committees, boards, and is currently the deputy speaker.
In recounting her experience, Borer said all the meanderings of her business, professional and political life have given her the abilities needed to move the city in a new direction. It was the past six years as the representative from the 115th Assembly District, where Borer learned how state government, state agencies and bill passage work.
“And while the experience I take away from the State Rep role include learning of how our state agencies work and what they can do for us and where the funding pools are, the greatest take away has been the art of compromise. And it’s an art, but I learned nothing happens in government without working across the aisle and within your own party to get things done,” she said. “I’ve been chairing the two largest bipartisan caucuses at the Capitol. The residents deserve Administration that is no nonsense and can bring people together for the sake of progress. So, collaboration will be another cornerstone of my administration.”
Borer then answered the question of why she is seeking the nomination.
“Here’s the reality, I along with our State Delegation members are securing the funding for West Haven projects, over $22 million to improve our city, but those projects are not moving. And they aren’t moving because we don’t have a ground game here,” she said. “Vision can only be realized if there is a strong team to bring those projects to fruition. And we don’t have that right now.”
Projects that have been earmarked with state funds are not moving, she said. She pointed to Beach Street’s reconstruction project as an example. The funds were secured in 2020, with work beginning just last month. The pedestrian bridge and funding for downtown have lain untouched for years, she said, before things were accomplished.
This lack of movement includes grants and funding that go to other towns and cities, but never find their way here.
“We need someone who is going to pull up a folding chair and sit at the table and say West Haven’s in the House. I know where those opportunities are that we need to capitalize on them for us. Because sadly I’ve been watching as surrounding towns have prospered, while we have stagnated,” she said.
Borer then listed five areas of immediate concern:
~~ Downtown: She said it doesn’t need a facelift, but “major surgery,” and there are funds in state and federal programs that can help;
~~ The Haven: The city needs to communicate with the Simon Group and determine what its plans are as well as its current status;
~~ The Boston Post Road needs an upgrade with the city helping business owners toward that end;
~~ Railroad Avenue/Frontage Road: Designating that stretch a “Biotech Enterprise Zone” allowing the city to get state and federal dollars. Other such designations could be on the table for other areas of the city;
~~ Beach Street: Pushing building owners to upgrade their locations;
~~ Economic Development: Expanding the city’s outreach not only to “big box” or large corporations, but small businesses as well, offering grant programs and other incentives;
~~ Streamlining operations: Changing the way the city does business resulting in a new influx of interested parties.
The final policy comment from Borer came concerning the Municipal Accountability Review Board. Saying the city has “overstayed its welcome,” Borer said a new relationship has to be forged with the panel.
“We need to partner with them, take their input, build trust and confidence so that we can say, ‘Thank you, now we got this. We can run our own city now.’ But we have to build that trust and I think by mentioning all the cornerstones of the administration, I can get us there sooner rather than later.”
After laying the groundwork, Borer capped off the statement with what her supporters wanted to hear.
“My place is here home in West Haven with you, and that is why I am formally announcing my candidacy for mayor,” she said.