The use of a picture in some campaign literature is the most recent point of contention between the two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor. In a press release sent out this week, the campaign of Mayor Edward M. O’Brien has criticized challenger Nancy Rossi over use of a picture depicting a foreclosure. That criticism through the real estate agent handling the property.
Mark Glassman, a commercial real estate agent with Arnold Peck Commercial World, is criticizing the Rossi campaign for using a picture of his recently sold property as “misleading.”
The Rossi campaign sent out a mailer last week attempting to portray West Haven as economically unsuccessful and used a picture of Mr. Glassman’s property at 819 Orange Ave. without permission and added a “foreclosed” sign over it. According to Glassman, the property recently sold for $425,000 and the new owners are investing approximately $500,000 to upgrade the building and open a new laundromat for local residents.
“I think it’s wrong for her to use pictures of private property without the owner’s permission, especially if she is going to lie about them and brand them as unsuccessful,” Glassman said. “I was proud to sell that property to a company that is going to improve it and it’s insulting that she would use it as a negative piece for her campaign. I think she owes me and the new owners who are investing in West Haven an apology.”
Regarding economic development more broadly in West Haven Glassman says he’s seen an uptick.
“As a commercial real estate agent in West Haven I know how our economy is doing and I can say with confidence that West Haven has not seen development like this in years.
The criticism brought sharp words from Rossi’s opponent.
“It’s unfortunate that Nancy would resort to using a picture of someone’s property to try to paint a negative picture of West Haven,” O’Brien said. “Mark and the new owners are trying to invest and find success in West Haven and this is not the way they should be treated.”
The mayor then used the opportunity to tout his administration’s economic record.
“Looking at the bigger picture, we all know West Haven needs economic development and my administration has a great record in this area. For our success to continue we need to paint a positive picture of our great city and spreading misinformation about new local businesses is the polar opposite of that.”
Rossi, meanwhile, had her own take on the matter, and was quick to defend her campaign’s use of the photo.
“The truth is that West Haven has too many businesses closing and leaving the city. The picture in question depicted one of the too many vacant buildings across our city. Many long-time businesses have closed or left the city over the last several years, including Bilco, Hallocks, Gold Star Bakery, Auqliera Trucking, and Shop Rite, and it is deeply concerning. West Haven must do a better job of attracting new business and helping existing business expand and succeed,” she said.
Rossi said the mayor and his campaign are trying to paint a more positive picture than what is really happening in the city.
“West Haven is simply not flourishing under Mayor O’Brien. You can’t wait until a month before an election to start pretending that you are attracting businesses and working in West Haven’s best interest. It insults the intelligence of our residents. The mayor’s attempts have not worked, and it is time for a change.
She said while the mayor makes claims about her campaign’s use of a photo, his record on economic development speaks for itself.
“Mayor O’ Brien’s claims about his administration’s record on economic development does not match the facts. When he took office (fiscal year 2014) the grand list was $2,822,778,324 and this fiscal year (2018) the grand list is $2,650,190,218, a decrease of $172,588,106. When Mayor O’Brien says that he has added $150 million to the grand list and created thousands of jobs, it is a gross misstatement of reality and not truthful,” she said finally.