By Josh LaBella
Voice Reporter
The Republican Town Committee nominated Michele Gregorio as its mayoral candidate in their caucus last Tuesday – as well as candidates for many under-ticket positions. Steven Mullins, the other announced candidate, said he plans on getting the signatures required to force a primary
Many in attendance said they were optimistic this election could see big gains for the Republicans in West Haven – due to division amongst the Democrats.
Under-ticket nominations included: Lorraine Jensen, tax collector; Roman Khondker, treasurer; and Sergio Hruszko for city clerk.
For City Council, the GOP nominated: Eric Pesapne, District 1; Thomas Dellacamera, District 2; Victoria Clifford, District 3; Chris Belous, District 6; Silvana Apicella, District 8; Tom Mansfield, District 9; and Barry Lee Cohen for District 10. The party also nominated incumbent Richard DePalma and Colleen O’Connor for Council-at-Large seats. Barry Lee Cohen, vice-chairman of the RTC, said the GOP will find candidates for Districts 4, 5 and 7 by November.
Candidates for the Board of Education are incumbent Pat Libero, current chairwoman of the RTC, incumbent Robert Guthrie and Angela Driver.
Out of 42 votes cast for the mayoral nomination, the split was 22-20 in favor of Gregorio. She said she was very excited, not for herself, but for the citizens of West Haven.
“We know we can reduce taxes,” said Gregorio. “We know we can have economic development. We know we can have safe streets. We know that we can clean up this city and eliminate blight. We all know we can enjoy our city again.”
Gregorio said she is looking forward to running a great campaign and gave her congratulations to those nominated.
“Let’s do this this year,” Gregorio said. “This is our year.”
GOP Board of Education member Rosa Richardson called for unity within the party and discussed the importance of presenting a united front. She said she was disappointed in how close the mayoral votes were only because it meant there was some division in the RTC.
“I would love nothing more than to see us be one,” said Richardson, “because we can’t beat the enemy when they have three factions and can still kick our ass. We have to be one and we have to be united.”
Cohen spoke out against the party having a mayoral primary. He said the attention Democrats have received is mainly as a result of party infighting and that the GOP should stay away from it.
“There’s so much for us to pick on and, basically, show their pettiness,” said Cohen. “If there’s going to be a primary, yes, one person will win the battle. But, we are going to have a much tougher battle winning the war.”
After the caucus, Mullins said he got more votes than he expected. He said he had a feeling the votes were not going to go in his direction but is ready to get the signatures for a primary.
“One hundred fifty-eight Republican signatures are required to start a primary city-wide,” said Mullins. “We’re not going to have any problem getting that. I’m going to do what I have to do.”