One party’s endorsements seem to be set for the November mayoral election, while another is headed to a three-way runoff to determine the nominee. The Democratic and Republican Town Committees met in their biennial caucuses over the last two weeks, with neither issuing any surprises in the nominees.
First up were the Democrats, who endorsed State Rep. Dorinda Keenan Borer (D-115) as the nominee to succeed outgoing Democrat Nany N Rossi, who did not seek a fourth term. Just days after announcing she was seeking the nod, Borer swept onto the ticket, heading a slate of 21 total candidates for office.
Her way was made virtually unopposed as former Mayor Edward M. O’Brien, who had formed an exploratory committee, dropped out. Eighth District Councilman Victory Borras, meanwhile, remains a candidate, but it is uncertain at press time whether he is going to force a primary.
The endorsed top of the ticket also includes John Lewis (City Clerk), Ron Quagliani (City Treasurer) and Eric Murillo (Tax Collector). The endorsed Board of Education candidates are Cebi Waterfield, Jonathan Jones and Heather Shea. The individuals endorsed for the Board of Tax Appeals are Joseph Harvey and Suzanne Mink.
“I am proud to be a part of a unified slate of Democratic candidates and together our slate is laser-focused on unlocking West Haven’s potential with accountability, fresh ideas, positivity and strong leadership so that together we will chart a new course for West Haven,” Borer said in accepting the nomination. “The Choice in this election isn’t about me or my opponents, the choice in this election is about the direction you want to see our city go in. It will be clear come November that our team’s promised direction is a positive one, one that brings progress and will be all about the future.”
Founding out the ticket for City Council are: Nick Pascale (at-large), Brian Laucks (at-large), Anne Heffernan (district 1), Michelle Colletti (district 2), Sarah Ackbareli (district 3), Gary Donovan (district 4), Edward McMillian (district 5), Dawn Callahan (district 6), Kathy Tucker (district 7), Christopher Vargo (district 8), Kathleen Mueller (district 9) and Dylan Molster (district 10).
Early last week the GOP met in its session, and as expected businesswoman Paige Weinstein came out the winner of the nomination. Her place on the ballot Is not assured as she faces a three-way primary with 2021 candidate Barry Lee Cohen seeking the nod, while longtime GOP activist Steven R. Mullins is also looking for the top spot.
A primary in September will determine the final slate as both Mullins and Cohen sought petitions the day after the GOP caucus. Mullins had his name put in nomination, while Cohen announced days before he would forego the floor nomination and go directly to filing a petition.
In accepting the nomination, she said unity was a goal that transcended party affiliation.
“I am grateful to the West Haven RTC for their decision and support,” said Weinstein, following the convention. “Seeing the unity of the West Haven Republican Party has bolstered my desire to further unite our greater community beyond party lines, returning City Hall back to the people.”
Weinstein, who is a married mother, grandmother, and co-owner of Star Tires Plus Wheels in Allingtown, has grown her involvement in West Haven politics over the last 6 years. Putting aside her business interests, Weinstein has regularly participated in City Council and local board meetings to demonstrate her investment in West Haven as both a businesswoman and resident.
“We are all stakeholders in this city,” said Weinstein in her address Tuesday. “Whether you are a lifelong resident, or have just joined our community, each one of us has invested something meaningful in West Haven. Unfortunately, decades of corruption and recycled politicians have neglected our stakeholders and devalued our personal investments.”
She said her first days in office will be transformative.
“In my first 100 days as Mayor I will hire a full-time Economic Developer, appoint dedicated grant writers to secure funding for West Haven, and audit our town for wasteful spending so that we can tear off the ‘distressed municipality’ label, and become a competitive and prosperous shoreline community. I will not put our city’s needs on pause in times of need but step up to the challenge of putting West Haven back on track,” she said.
Pushing the idea of an outsider, she said she was unlike any other candidate.
“I am the only candidate with no ties to former administrations or elected positions that can guarantee the fresh start West Haven deserves,” she said.My platform is simple: reestablish transparency in City Hall, open West Haven for new businesses and families, hold city employees accountable, and expand accessibility to city services. What sets me apart is my plan to address the forgotten backbone of our community being our seniors, youth and families, veterans, and small businesses.”
The full list of candidates includes: Mayor: Paige Weinstein; City Clerk: Joseph Viola; Treasurer: Pat Bolleteri; Tax Collector: Justin Prat; Board of Education: Bob Guthrie, Pat Libero & Mike Southworth; Board of Assessments: Lori Jenson & Dave Riccio, Jr; Council at Large: Silvana Appicella & Meli Garthwait; District 1: Ryan Ford; District 2: Bonnie Posick; District 3: Nyrell Moore; District 4: Dominic Broccoli; District 5: Bob Wittkofske; District 6: Dominic Konareski; District 7: Open; District 8: David Riccio, Sr; District 9: Jeff Christman; District 10: Steve Johnstone.