Letters

Here’s a shout out to West Haven! The West Haven Republican Party is alive and well! Over the last few years, enrollments have doubled thanks to the “Trump effect” and the increased interest in state politics due to the failings of Governor Malloy. Last year’s Republican mayoral candidate, Dave Riccio, garnered twice as many votes as the prior Republican mayoral candidates. Although he lost the election, the party made major gains in interest and energy. I would expect that enrollments will continue to increase as we get closer to primary season and the Republicans pick their choice for Governor.

Added to that, in both the last state election cycle and in the last municipal cycle, West Haven Republicans had full slates running for office. This was a huge accomplishment thanks to the candidates and their work ethic and their stalwart support of conservative Republican ideals. The local GOP raised twice as much money in the last two years than in years before; had an active headquarters for both election seasons; brought on new members and new volunteers; increased our networking not only in the city, but in our neighboring cities and throughout the state. The increased interest in the West Haven GOP is a huge paradigm shift for us locals, and one that has been recognized by others as we continue to get our message out and redevelop our brand that for so long, was stagnant and sometimes non-existent.

It is disheartening to read that the blame game among the Democrats is still festering considering the City’s dire financial problems. There should be no question that bonding deficits should not be considered solutions to these problems, but only received as a clear message of financial mismanagement. Our budgets are bloated with spending that has yet to be completely addressed, despite all the recommendations that were given to past administrations. It was shown that spending could be reduced while still delivering services.

Here is recap of some of these recommendations: reduction of headcount and elimination of positions with a thorough attrition study; elimination of overtime; consolidation of the fire departments; elimination of personal vehicles; staggered seven day shifts for employees; elimination of duplication of services in plant and grounds maintenance; audit of health insurance and workmen’s compensation claims for errors; review of all outside service contracts; increasing weekly work hours from 37.5 to 40; cross-training employees; and the provision of a complete listing of assets for maintenance and replacement planning.

The solution is not raising taxes and not relying on a failing state to plug gaps. Our bond rating is at a critical low and we are told that the State will be monitoring our finances if we accept the eight million dollars that is being proposed. Is it no wonder that new businesses are not popping up all over West Haven? How can any business sustain in a city that is in a very precarious financial condition? And let’s not forget the empty real estate all over town; the stretch of road between Beach Street and Ocean Avenue that is sorely needing a facelift; the broken sidewalks and potholed streets; and finally, the promise of the Havens that still has citizens perplexed along with the questions surrounding TOD plans, as citizens wonder if more housing is part of the plan, something that the majority has opposed loudly and clearly.

So yes, West Haven Republicans are alive and well and we are watching and planning for the upcoming election cycles. “The Time is Now” was last year’s campaign theme. But only the voters will decide if they have had enough and it is their time.

Michele Gregorio

West Haven Republican Town Chairman