EAST HAVEN

The 2023 mayoral race in East Haven is heating up as town electors will head to the polls on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to decide who they want to lead their town. A debate between candidates will be held at East Haven High School on Thursday, Oct 26 at 6 p.m. and will be also live-streamed. Before those key dates, here are what the two major party candidates want to tell voters regarding their fitness for the Mayor’s Office—from their past accomplishments, the kind of leadership they will bring, and what makes them proud to be an Eastie.

Joseph Carfora

Position Currently Held: Mayor of East Haven

Office Seeking: Incumbent Mayor

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Campaign Phone Number: 203-641-3178

East Haven Resident Since: 1962

Education: B.S. in marketing and history from Southern Connecticut State University

What has compelled you to run for another term as Mayor of East Haven?

To build upon the foundation we established four years ago. I am deeply committed to the ongoing development of East Haven, my beloved hometown. I take immense pride in safeguarding its well-being and fostering its growth and prosperity.

What have been your proudest accomplishments during your second term as mayor?

I have orchestrated responsible budgeting practices that have not only ensured fiscal stability but also paved the way for meaningful progress in our community.

First and foremost, I have spearheaded the enhancement and fortification of our police and fire departments, guaranteeing the safety and security of our residents. Commitment to public safety has been a top priority throughout my term.

Furthermore, I have exhibited an unparalleled dedication to recognizing the pivotal role educators play in shaping the lives of our children. As a result, I have championed efforts to ensure our educators are compensated fairly for their invaluable contributions to our community's future.

One of the more positive and impactful transformative actions has been the substantial revitalization and expansion of our recreation department. Through diligent work, we have not only repaired the facilities but also revitalized the programs, making them accessible to more families than ever before. The impact of this endeavor is visible in the smiles of countless children and the strengthened bonds within our community.

In essence, my accomplishments as mayor reflect a steadfast commitment to financial prudence, public safety, education, and the well-being of our community. These achievements serve as concrete evidence that I am more than capable of continuing to handle the responsibilities and challenges of this job, and I am determined to continue delivering impactful results for our residents.

What are your three key issues as you seek re-election? How will solving the challenges associated with these issues continue to make life in East Haven better for residents, small business owners, etc?

As I seek reelection, my primary focus revolves around three key issues that are pivotal to making life in East Haven better for our residents, small business owners, and the entire community. These issues are:

Continued Fiscal Responsibility and Responsible Budgeting: Over my tenure as mayor, I have demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Our fund balance has steadily increased from $3 million to an impressive $8 million during my time in office. This achievement serves as the cornerstone of our financial stability, enabling our town to function effectively, maintain stable tax rates, and provide the essential services that our hardworking taxpayers rightfully deserve.

Enhancing Public Safety: One of the core responsibilities of any municipality is ensuring the safety and security of its residents. I am dedicated to further enhancing our Police and Fire Departments, fortifying their capabilities and resources. By addressing the challenges associated with public safety, we are making East Haven a safer place for all, providing peace of mind to our residents, and fostering a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive.

Investing in Education: Our children's education is the bedrock of our community's future. Through my budgeting, I have championed fair compensation for our teachers, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the lives of our youth. By continuing to invest in education, we are not only enriching the lives of our children but also ensuring that East Haven remains an attractive place for families to settle and businesses to flourish. A well-educated workforce is essential for our town's long-term prosperity.

Addressing these three key issues is not just a commitment but a promise to our community. By doing so, we maintain our strong financial footing and also make East Haven a safer, more prosperous, and educationally vibrant place to live and work. These efforts will undoubtedly benefit our residents, small business owners, and all members of our community, ensuring that East Haven remains a place we are all proud to call home.

What makes you proud to be an East Haven resident? Why should its residents be proud to be one as well?

East Haven is a town with a big heart, and its allure lies in its strong community bonds, natural beauty, quality education, thriving local businesses, and convenient location. As a lifelong resident and your Mayor, I am proud to call East Haven home, and I believe that everyone who chooses to make this town their home will discover the same reasons to love it. East Haven is more than just a place; it's a vibrant, welcoming, and enriching community that has something to offer for everyone.

What's the kind of leadership you believe East Haven residents deserve in their mayor?

East Haven residents deserve a mayor who embodies a leadership style characterized by integrity, accountability, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the community. The kind of leadership that I believe East Haven residents deserve includes transparency and accountability, fiscal responsibility, accessibility and engagement, inclusivity and diversity, community development, responsive leadership, vision, and long-term planning.

Is there anything else you would like to mention to voters?

We want you to Vote Row A on Nov. 7!

Sam Parlato

Position Currently Held: District 4 Town Council Representative

Office Seeking: Mayor

Party Affiliation: Republican

Campaign Phone Number: 203-627-9930

East Haven Resident Since: Resided in East Haven for 35 years

Education: Graduated with honors from Gateway Community College with an A.S. in early childhood special education, as well as a teaching certificate. I received my municipal officer certificate from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities in 2022.

What inspired you to run for Mayor of East Haven?

I was inspired to run for Mayor through my work on the Board of Education and Town Council. I saw the need to promote a better community, to make sure all the residents had a voice and were able to live, work, and grow their families in an affordable and safe community.

What’s the kind of leadership you believe East Haven residents deserve in their mayor?

The residents of East Haven deserve a mayor who puts their quality of life first. A leader who is fiscally responsible and who will cultivate a community that has the opportunity to grow for the betterment of all the residents.

What’s the kind of experience during your time on the Town Council that you plan on bringing to the Mayor’s Office?

I will bring the experience I have gained during the budget process not only on the Town Council but also on the Board of Education.

What have been your proudest accomplishments during your time on the Town Council?

My proudest accomplishment during my time on Town Council would be participating in the process. Being the only Republican Council Member for the past two years, I am a member of all the subcommittees and have reported to the council monthly on education, library, public health safety and welfare, finance, public services, parks and recreation, as well as urban renewal and housing. I was an active participant in the budget process for the past four years.

What are your three key issues as you seek election? How will solving the challenges associated with these issues continue to make life in East Haven better for residents, small business owners, etc?

My top three key issues would be strengthening our economy, crime, and education. There is no solution to every problem, but acknowledging each issue and working with the department heads to identify where we can make the most impact for the betterment of the residents is paramount.

What makes you proud to be an East Haven resident? Why should its residents be proud to be one as well?

East Haven is a very giving community. Our community continues to band together to meet the needs of all residents, regardless of any political affiliation. East Haven continues to have a small-town spirit where you will always see a friend no matter where you go.

Is there anything else you would like to mention to voters?

I am committed to the residents of East Haven. I am very involved in our community and have been recognized for my service, being a recipient of the 2023 Beacon Award and the 2022 Merit Award. I have been a Justice of the Peace for more than 20 years. I volunteer with The East Haven Police Athletic League, Clean Up East Haven, the Shoreline Trolley Museum, the East Haven Food Pantry, and the Board of Education’s Health and Wellness Committee.

I am on the Board of Directors of the East Haven Chamber of Commerce, Broadway on Main, and the East Haven Fall Festival Committee. I am committed to putting people before politics for the betterment of our community.