Sept. 14 promises to be an interesting one in the annals of West Haven politics. Both parties in the throes of a primary, with the winners facing off for the Nov. 2 municipal election. One candidate is determined. Former Mayor Edward O’Brien is running independent of Democratic Party apparatus.
The former two-term mayor opted out of a two-way challenge to incumbent Mayor Nancy Rossi, deciding to go it independent on Nov. 2.
Rossi, who is seeking her third term is the endorsed candidate, and is doing her part to top her remaining primary challenger, former O’Brien Administration Executive Assistant John Lewis.
On the Republican side, no “endorsed” candidate is on the ballot – at least in the legal sense. Tenth District Councilman Barry Lee Cohen won the nomination in the party caucus in July, but a filing error nullified the endorsed slate, meaning the candidates had to petition to get on the ballot.
Meanwhile, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven Mullins announced his bid for the nomination just days before the caucus.
All the petitions have been filed, and all have been certified to participate in the Sept. 14 vote.
Lewis announced his candidacy last March, knowing full well he was probably going the primary route to the nomination. He said his team used the time to not only get acquainted with voters, but to cull ideas.
“Our team used the time gathering signatures for our petitions, to speak with willing electors, introducing ourselves to others, while listening to the concerns of all regarding the state of our city,” Lewis said. “Many residents spoke of a need for change, the lack of leadership, responsibility, progress and an overwhelming concern with the taxes being so high.”
Lewis said the residents are guiding his campaign and they will guide the future.
“My strategy and campaign have not changed. Residents are, and will remain my advisors. I plan to make West Haven a better place to live and do business,” he said.
On the Republican side, getting the petitions and the required names to get on the ballot. For Cohen, he thought his team looked at it as a way to exhibit its commitment.
“What would have defeated the spirits of others, instead has created an unwavering commitment and strong bond by this extraordinary group of individuals. Each responded expeditiously while demonstrating grace and determination,” he said.
Cohen said his campaign is moving and people seemed upbeat when signing the petitions.
” (People were) abundantly enthusiastic and eager to help not just with signatures but to secure a Nov. 2 victory,” he said.
As far as the error prompting the petitioning, Cohen said it didn’t harm the campaign overall, and he is ready to move onward.
“Mistakes happen. I hold no ill will towards those responsible for the filing error, he said.
For Mullins, his signatures are filed and he is pushing for a debate with Cohen before the September primary. He also has a running mate in the person of Councilwoman-at-Large Collen O’Connor. O’Connor lost her bid to become an endorsed candidate in the July caucus when town committee members put the wrong first name on their ballots.
“”Colleen and I worked together to get these signatures. She has put a lot of time and effort into the City of West Haven and has earned re-election.” Mullins said. “This has been a team effort.”
In a video message posted to Facebook, Mullins thanked his supporters and challenged Cohen to a debate,
“In this debate, we will allow West Haven’s 3100-plus Republicans to decide on who will represent them against the other party in November.” Mullins said.
So far, Cohen has not responded to the debate challenge.