Cohen makes case
The incumbent 10th District councilwoman, Louise Martone, has been promoting herself as “For the People.” Sounds great, but the facts prove otherwise. During the public comment session at a city council meeting, Ms. Martone emphatically stated on video that she would not work with the “current administration” — Democrat Mayor Nancy Rossi. If she refuses to govern alongside her own party, do we really think she’s going to constructively collaborate with Republican Michele Gregorio, or for that matter a number of new councilpersons that will be elected on November 5th?
I will work with any administration from any party to serve the best interests of West Haven. If I’m blessed to be elected the next 10th District Councilman, I’ll be focused on fiscal responsibility, establishing a true economic development plan to maintain and grow business, as well as eliminating blight and improving our infrastructure. We don’t have to like everyone, but we do need to work with each other to move West Haven forward.
Furthermore, I refuse to be a “one and done” politician who visits during elections and then vanishes. If blessed to be elected, I’ll be accessible, forthright, and responsive to my constituents. I’ll be a strong advocate for senior citizens, veterans, animals and the less fortunate. I may not always be successful in delivering the desired results, but you can be absolutely certain I will work tirelessly to improve our quality of life that will allow families to thrive!
I could care less if you have an R, D, I or a U next to your name. As a business owner and previously a global director for a $1 billion advanced technologies company, I understand the unique challenges faced by both local and Fortune 100 companies. A lifelong resident of West Haven with over three decades of public and non-profit service, I know we can and must do better to return West Haven to a city that attracts and maintains businesses. We must increase revenues to decrease the unprecedented burden currently imposed on every property owner and taxpayer in our city.
Being a councilman is more than a title. It’s a responsibility that I’ll take seriously on election day and every day. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I respectfully ask every 10th District neighbor to vote 12B.
Barry Lee Cohen
Republican Candidate, 10th District
Haven is an issue
I am happy to see that at least one mayoral candidate, Michele Gregorio, has brought up the Haven as an issue for what it is: a rat infested, crime-ridden eyesore which should be paying daily blight fines despite what the city attorney says.
This project has been a scam since day one. The developers have used excuse after excuse to delay it from “holdout” owners to Bayshore park to the Elm street state money and on and on. Now they want a special tax district!! Why do I think this is scam? Just follow the money.
First, it is coming from Vegas which should have been a red flag from day one. Vegas is not exactly known for its high standards. Next the $30 million invested so far. If the developers had had to declare it as a profit on their books they would have paid roughly $10 million in taxes. $10 million saved!
Secondly, they are paying about $2 million in taxes which are an expense to them. $800,000 saved! I really believe these developers have “dumped” their money here until something better comes along. Them they will sell it at a loss (another tax write off) because the project is no longer “feasible”. It hasn’t been since day one!
Marty Northam