1st Candidate Is In East Haven Mayor Race - And It's Not Maturo

EAST HAVEN, CT - The first Republican has announced he is running for mayor this November - and it isn't incumbent Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr.

Instead it is Town Council member Big Steve Tracey - former pro wrestler and bail bondsman.

The ‘Big Steve for Mayor Committee’ issued this press release today confirming that Big Steve Tracey has filed the necessary paperwork with the Town Clerk to run for Mayor.

Tracey said: “After listening to the taxpayers and concerned citizens of East Haven I believe it is time for a different approach to manage East Haven. We need new ideas and positive leadership to face the demands of Connecticut's economy and our State's disastrous financial situation.”

He went on to say that “I am committed to making East Haven an even better environment for our young families in town to grow and prosper by keeping more of their hard-earned tax dollars in their pockets while investing in essentials like education, infrastructure, and public safety.”

“Our Town’s seniors make up a large percentage of our population, they are the very people who made East Haven what it is today. I want to insure East Haven remains a Town that they can afford to live in and a Town they can be proud of.”

Maturo hasn't yet indicated whether he will be running for another term this November. No Democrats have yet to announce yet, either.

Tracey lost a hard-fought race, only after a recount, two years ago to Democrat James Albis in a race for East Haven’s state representative seat.

Asked about his intentions, Maturo said Tuesday afternoon he would meeting in a few weeks with staff and close confidants to go over plans.

“I welcome Steve into the race, Maturo said. “However all the items he has mentioned I believe my administration has been doing over the last 18 of the past 24 years I have been it's mayor.

“From keeping taxes to a record low over those years while our state and other communities have gone into the opposite direction, 24/7 paramedic service, new state of the art dispatch center and very soon a new Senior housing facility at our old High School. I could go on forever. I have loved every minute of the past almost 18 years as mayor of this great town.

“My decision will be forthcoming,” said Maturo.