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07/19/2013 12:00 AMThe East Haven Democrats and Republicans both hosted their nominating conventions last week, with Republicans backing incumbent Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., and the Democrats divided between Jack Stacey and Gary DePalma as their choice to run against Maturo in this November’s election.
Democrats Headed to Primary
At the Democratic caucus on July 16, Stacey accepted an endorsement by the Democratic Town Committee (DTC) by a 44-17 margin over DePalma. After Stacey gave his acceptance speech, however, supporters of DePalma who were expected to be endorsed candidates that night announced they were leaving the meeting—they instead wanted to be endorsed candidates on a slate that supported DePalma.
“I know some people are feeling different emotions,” said Stacey during his acceptance speech. “But everyone has one thing in common. We have to put a Democrat in Town Hall in November.”
Stacey outlined his vision for the town and spoke about a need to improve East Haven’s infrastructure and make economic development “a top priority.” He also spoke about continued improvements to the Police Department, as well as the educational system.
In addition to Stacey and Town Clerk Stacy Gravino-Piccirillo, the following people were endorsed by the DTC: Thomas Thompson, Noreen Clough, Brendan Geelan, and Marie Tonelli for the Board Of Finance and Mary Ann Pellegrino, Becki Projansky Pastor, Laura Kluth, Annabel Patterson, Christine Sanford, and Louis Pacelli for the Board of Education.
Endorsed Town Council candidates are Daniel Gleason, Catherine Fleurant, and Joseph Civitello for District 1; Tasha Limoncelli and Nicholas Palladino for District 2; Milena Quinto, Robert Hoff, and Jo-Ann Lubenau for District 3; Joseph Badamo, Letizia Morales, and Michael Riolino for District 4; and Sean O’Brien, Edward Stackpole, and Frank Capone for District 5.
DePalma will now attempt to force a primary with Stacey in September. He will need to gather signatures from five percent of East Haven’s registered Democratic voters to do so, and those signatures must be submitted to the registrars of voters by Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 4 p.m.
Those planning to run on DePalma’s slate include: Richard DePalma, Cherie Esposito, Anthony Vigliotti, and Robert Fox, Jr., for Board of Finance and Patrick Madley, Jr., Christine Maisano, Patricia DePalma, Marilyn Vitale, Tara Esposito, and Kristy Porter for Board of Education. DePalma’s Town Council slate is: Elizabeth Franco-Spano, Edward Sabatino, Jr., and Danielle Germe (District 1); Beverly Gravino, Joseph Santino, Jr., and Darlene Picagli (District 2); Paul Cofrancesco, Paul Thompson, Jr., and Kevin Dacey (District 3); Katrina Loda, Pasquale Garguilo, and Edmond Kamienski (District 4); and John Kikosicki, Henry Butler, III, and Michael D’Errico (District 5).
“This represents the beginning of a transformation within the Democratic Party and public service, as a whole, in the Town of East Haven,” DePalma said in a statement following the convention. “We’ve selected a full slate of candidates dedicated to the principles of hard work and integrity.”
The day after the convention, DTC Chairman Gene Ruocco said the list of the names of the candidates who left the meeting in support of DePalma was created in advance of the meeting.
“It’s an indication to me they’re not interested in getting the Democratic nomination,” he said. “They had no intention of trying to stay united.”
Ruocco said he thought DePalma’s supporters may consider running for election under a third-party line or as Independent candidates. That strategy could split the Democratic vote and perhaps benefit the Maturo campaign. “By Jack having to run against these people, Mayor Maturo would have a chance,” said Ruocco.
The Republican Ticket
Maturo accepted the nomination from the Republican Town Committee (RTC) on July 17.
“We have a great ticket,” said Maturo, noting its combination of youth and experienced civil servants.
Maturo credited his fellow Republicans for helping him accomplish his goals in office.
“We get elected because we have good ideas,” Maturo added. “We know how to do more with less.”
Other candidates endorsed by the RTC include Michael Speer for town clerk; Marlene Asid, Salvatore Maltese, Beth Purcell, and Ralph Vitale for Board of Finance and Ronald Denuzzo, Thomas S. Hennessey, James N. Farrell, Lisa Geraci-Anastasio, John Finkle, and Michele DeLucia for Board of Education .
Candidates endorsed for Town Council are: Fred Parlato, Anthony Purificato, and Ken McKay (District 1); Sue Colangelo, Brian Savo, and Vincent Arpino (District 2); Judy Esposito, William Richardson, and Robert Sand (District 3); Ben Giaquinto, Mary Ann Rivera, and Vincent Spaduzzi (District 4); and Richard Anania, Paul Carbo, and Anthony Mansi (District 5).