“When I’m re-elected, I will keep moving forward in a fiscally responsible way, which we are doing, and to continue methodically addressing the decades-long deficiency in our physical infrastructure,” said Carfora. “I wanted to bring integrity back to town government. This is a wonderful community of hardworking individuals and they deserve someone who has a healthy respect for them.”

In addition to facing COVID and a tornado among other challenges, Carfora has begun working on various infrastructure projects, including the repair and refurbishing of the ice rink, road improvements, working to obtain funding for a community pool, and competing the final phase of the West End project. He has also helped lead the Beautification Committee, which has completed work on the Town Green and at the beach.

“Our Public Works Department has been phenomenal and I look forward to continuing to address our open space issues and park rehabilitations,” said Carfora. “Over time, the town roads and infrastructure have not been properly maintained. I will see to it that we will continue to work on these over my next term. We are positioning ourselves for smart economic development.”

Another focus of Carfora’s time in office has been public safety and the protection of residents. He noted that “we must always provide our first responders with the tools to do their jobs,” which the town has done through additional staffing and significant grant funding.

“They always have me as an advocate,” said Carfora. “As long as I am mayor, I will always have their back.”

One of the most pressing issues in East Haven over the past several years has been the expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport. Carfora has heard residents’ concerns and said he will continue to fight for East Haven’s best interests.

“Though the courts have ruled that the expansion of some form is likely to take place, I ensure everyone that I intend to see to it that East Haven has a seat at the table with all decisions that are made,” said Carfora. “Clearly the debate on whether Tweed New Haven Terminal should be moved to the East Haven side is something that will be on the agenda—the misinformation that some self-interested parties are spreading is unfortunate, negligent, and frankly irresponsible—so we look forward to that debate and its analysis.”

As Carfora looks back on his first term and plans to move forward, he realizes that his “team effort approach” was instilled in him by his parents from a young age as he saw them “working so hard to feed and clothe four boys” as they raised Carfora and his brother in East Haven.

“You are only as good as the people around you who you must trust and allow to do their jobs and I am fortunate to have put together a team that works tirelessly and shares that same passion and vision that I have for our community,” said Carfora. “I share [the residents’] personal values and concerns and as their mayor and the residents of East Haven always come together as one to support each other regardless of their political views. I was brought up in this town and love this town. I want people to be proud to live here for generations to come.”