Borer to run unopposed in November ballot

As expected, the West Haven Democratic Town Committee unanimously endorsed Mayor Dorinda Borer for a second term during its July caucus. The former Board of Education member and state representative is in the final months of her inaugural term and has a string of successes that puts her in a strong position for re-election. And that re-election might come without much of a fight.

The Republican Town Committee failed to nominate a candidate for the mayoral spot, putting Borer in the position of running unopposed, a feat that has occurred in the past when the top spot was held by another Borer, H. Richard Borer, Jr.

The mayor’s record was front and center during the nomination session with town committee member Sarah Ackbarali kicking off the nomination highlighting Borer’s success in rebuilding trust in government, strengthening the city’s finances, reignite economic development projects, fund education, bring in qualified teams and invest heavily in resources to support public safety. Kathleen Tucker seconded the nomination, focusing on Borer’s efforts on quality-of-life issues by working with the veterans, youth and seniors, opening the first warming center and investing in mental health.

Borer addressed the full room by saying that serving as mayor has been one of the greatest honors and thanked everyone for having faith, staying strong and working as a team to get results.

“We have turned the page, but it’s not West Haven’s epilogue, we have so many more chapters to go. Progress takes bold action, and I’m up to the task. Most importantly, I’m proud of the entire team I am running with and everything they bring to the table. They are professional, committed, and ready to go,” she said.

Borer also thanked Michael Last for his work in leading the Democratic Party. The under slate was also unanimously endorsed and includes: John Lewis for City Clerk, Rosemary Russo for Treasurer, and Eric Murillo for Tax Collector, Board of Education candidates Patrick Egolum, Kim Kenny and Jeffrey Moreno; Board of Assessment Appeals Joseph Harvey and Suzanne Mink; Council at-Large Sean Ronan and Peter Rivera; Council candidates Anne Heffernan (district 1), Nancy Tagliatelia (district 2), Sarah Ackbarali (district 3), Gary Donovan (district 4), Edward (Macki) McMillian (district 5), Dawn Callahan (district 6), Kathy Tucker (district 7), Chris Vargo (district 8), Dave Beaton (district 9) and Ron Quagliani (district 10).

Additionally, following the retirement announcement of Judge of Probate Mark DeGennaro, the town committee endorsed attorney Timothy Gunning for the position of Judge of Probate. The Governor announced a special election for Judge of Probate to be held with the municipal elections on Nov. 4.

“Mayor Dorinda Borer is doing an amazing job and has West Haven moving quickly in the right direction. We have a lot of momentum, and a lot is being accomplished throughout our city, said Chairman Last following the meeting. “I am excited about all the endorsements tonight; this is an outstanding team.”

For GOP Town Chairman David Riccio, it was a near miss. The minority party chief thought he had a candidate to take the top of the ticket twice, and both determined they would not run.

“I started looking for a candidate the day after she (Borer) won,” said Riccio Monday. “I thought I had a couple of people interested, and both dropped out. It’s first time we may be going into the November election with no top of the ticket.”

Getting a late name onto the slate became more tedious, and as of press time would not make the Wednesday (Aug. 6) deadline. According to state law, once a party endorses a slate, any other interested candidate would have to petition to be put on the ballot or, in the case of a primary situation, petition for primary.

Having no candidate to head the ticket at its July meeting, a petition process would have had to be completed yesterday for a late change to the slate. Riccio admitted that was not going to happen. In the rest of the slate, the party was unable to field a candidate in the seventh and 10th council districts.

The Republican ticket is:

City Clerk — Tom Green: Treasurer — David Riccio; Tax Collector — David Driver; BOE Dominic Konareski, Linda Borras, Rosa Richardson; Board of Assessment and Appeals Silvana Apicella, Kris Petrucci; City Council At-Large,  Meli Garthwait and Bob Glass; Dist. 1 Peter Flynn; Dist. 2. Bonnie Posick; Dist. 3 Juan Ayala; Dist. 4. Dominic Broccoli; Dist. 5. Bob Wittkofske; Dist. 6 Michelle Konsreski; Dist. 7 no candidate; Dist. 8 Victor Borras; Dist. 9. Jeff Christman; Dist. 10 – no candidate.