Michele Gregorio, current vice-chairman of the West Haven Board of Finance and former Chairman of the West Haven Republican Party, did as expected last week, and announced her candidacy to run as the Republican nominee for mayor. She did so before a large contingent of supporters.
She becomes the second member of the city’s minority party that is seeking the nomination. Three weeks ago, Planning & Zoning member Steven Mullins announced his run for the nomination.
The announcement brings to five the number of candidates, Republican, Democratic and Independent that are looking for the mayoralty.
Gregorio got a quick endorsement from former City Councilman-at-large David Riccio, who spoke for her at the event.
“Michele has natural leadership skills and has proven herself in the corporate world. A true professional in every sense and above all understands the obstacles that trouble West Haven residents. I am honored to serve as Michele’s campaign manager,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gregorio thanked her supporters, but homed in on what ails the city and why it needs new leadership.
“Status quo politics has proven to be detrimental to our financial health and to the decline of our city. We must return West Haven to a city that attracts businesses, increases our tax base, and allows families to thrive,” she said. “Our city has suffered too long under 28 years of failed politics and lack of leadership. The status quo has done nothing but increase our taxes, give us declining property values, eliminate the enjoyment of our rich heritage, deteriorate the city with blight, stagnate any real economic development and make our citizens and businesses flee.”
She said the prospect of new taxes as proposed over the next several years will signal a further decline in the city. The Municipal Accountability Review Board has set a 40-mill maximum over the next five years to bring the city to solvency. With fire taxes, that would put the average tax burden at more than 50 mills.
“I have heard the people loud and clear – no more tax increases. With a mill rate that is being proposed to soar over 50 mills, the burden on the taxpayers will be more than most can bear. It is time for the city to be run like a business and use business models that can be easily identifiable and applicable to not only our everyday operations, but also to smart short- and long-term planning, with a commitment to reduce wasteful spending,” she said. “We must eliminate duplication of services, outsource services where cost savings are attainable, and work with our legislators to eliminate unfunded mandates once and for all. We must address the long-term implications of our labor benefits in the insurance and pension areas and address the continuing harmful practices of bonding deficits.”
She said the city’s workforce and education staff should be brought into the process to find new methods and correct problems in current methods. She then turned to development.
“City-wide, robust, economic development will make our community a leader in the area. It is critical that we smartly assess any new housing that will impact our safety services and our schools. And we cannot let developers set the tone and allow projects to linger and give our citizens false hope,” she said. “We must have a vision for all our neighborhoods that will invite developers to join us in the renaissance of West Haven and not have developers dictate what they believe are West Haven needs.”
She aligned herself with preserving the shorefront, and aiding businesses where possible.
“We can preserve the quality of our shoreline and have recreational activities alongside seaside shops and restaurants that will be welcoming to all. And we must support our existing businesses and eliminate any bottlenecks that they have experienced so that they can thrive,” she said.
She turned to an issue that has been a political “third rail” in city politics: consolidation. She said a new look has to be given to and old issue.
“Consolidation is not a criticism nor indictment of the fire departments services. From firsthand experience, as I’m sure many of you have shared, our fire services are impeccable and highly responsive,” she said. :But the reality is we need a reevaluation of the three separate departments and the expenses that accompany them. I will work hard to be sure that not only are the taxpayers protected, but that a reorganization of the fire departments will be diligent and fair.”
She told her supporters some people have questioned her sanity looking for the city executive top spot.
“A few people have told me that I am crazy to want to take on such a challenging task to be Mayor of West Haven. My response was yes, I am crazy……. crazy about the people of West Haven and the city that I have called home over the last 15 years,” she said.
A lifelong Connecticut resident, Gregorio was the Financial Controller at BIC Corporation in Milford, for the global company’s lighter division where she managed a $90 million budget until her 2018 retirement. She has volunteered for many community organizations, including being the former Chairman of the United Taxpayers Party in Guilford that vigorously worked to hold down taxes and raise property values