East Haven Elects New Mayor on Tuesday of This Week

EAST HAVEN, CT - Voters across the state will go to the polls on November 5th to elect thousands of candidates for dozens of offices. You can make the argument that no race has generated more interest than the one as to who will be the next mayor of East Haven.

The drama started early when nine-term Republican incumbent Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. surprised just about everyone a few months ago with the surprise announcement that he would not be seeking a record 10th term.

But before that big news hit there was already the news that two of the better known councilman in town - Democrat Joe Carfora, a businessman and Republican "Big" Steve Tracey, former professional wrestler and bail bondsman, wanted to replace Maturo.

A third party Independent candidate "Oni" Sioson Jr., a familiar name who has run before, also entered the fray - but most believe that the race will come down to a contest between Carfora and Tracey.
Tracey had to survive - which he did easily - a primary challenge from another perennial mayor candidate - Salvator Maltese.

As far as the issues, an issue that has cropped up as a hot one is what the town should do about Sperry Lane.

SPERRY LANE
Asked about the proposed project, Tracey told Patch:
"From the moment I knew about this issue I was against the proposal of affordable housing on Sperry Lane.
"Both proposals of either age restricted or affordable housing were much too dense for the parcel.
I also, felt the residents of the area deserved a solution. Preserving the land for open space has a real chance of happening and I am looking forward to working with our state delegation and negotiating with the developer on this matter. If I am fortunate enough to be elected mayor, I will work to solve this issue and will always do what is best for the town and it's residents. I am saddened that my opponent chose to sensationalize the issue without ever offering a solution. "
Carfora has been vocal on the issue of Sperry Lane.
His position is: "The current proposal on the table really presents a "Red Herring"— the "Herring is the constant talk about low income projects and excessive units in a development. Let's not chase the "Red Herring'
The current proposal on the table really presents a "Red Herring"— the "Herring is the constant talk about low income projects and excessive units in a development. Let's not chase the "Red Herring.

Carfora continued: "All certainly create concerns, but those issues are the "herring"—this developer wants the ZONE change from Residential to Commercial. A change like this opens up so many more opportunities for the DEVELOPER and hurts the homeowners in the area. It provides fewer protections to the neighboring and adjacent areas. Think about it, does the resident want residential in adjoining areas or the potential for substantial commercial development? And also ask what does the commercial developer want?"
Sioson's position?
Allowing the development, he said, will be working against what the community has spoken out against.
He said officials "allegiance must first and last be to the greater interest of the community.
"Not only to those who can and have spoken out; but more particularly to our youth whose lives are just now taking shape and more especially, to the children who will one day, walk upon this soil, we call East Haven," Sioson said.

CAMPAIGN TURNS UGLY

One of the twists the campaign has taken in the past few weeks is the tenor of the dialogue has turned darker.
Democrat front-runner Carfora has been under attack from Republican Town Chairman Bob Parente concerning the fact that he owes back taxes on his personal business.
Parente put out a press release, which said in part: "Back in April, Mr. Carfora explained that family obligations took a toll on his personal and business finances, but pledged that he had 'rebounded' and was cleaning up the debt. According to official documents disseminated by a whistleblower and recorded on the land records in both East Haven and North Haven, Mr. Carfora, personally and through his business, owes a staggering $289,533.18 in back taxes to both the IRS and the Town of North Haven."
Parente added, "Mr. Carfora is not rebounding, he is sinking. Even worse, he failed to disclose the magnitude of this debt and misrepresented the seriousness of the issue."
Carfora said he expected the attacks, was not surprised by them. He admitted to falling behind in some payments during some times when he was dealing with difficult family issues, but said he is making regular payments to catch up.
He added: "I, however, have chosen to make this campaign about accessibility, transparency, honesty, humility, and what is best for the taxpayers of East Haven. Moving forward, I will not continue to engage my opponents in their personal attacks on me and challenge them to talk about the issues. I will engage with the voters of our town at their doors, as I've been doing for months, and let them decide who is best qualified and has put forth real solutions to move our town forward."

OTHER ISSUES

All candidates have said that they will do their best to hold the state accountable for its fair share of funding responsibilities and to make sure that more of the tax burden doesn't fall on East Haveners; other issues that have raised have been ensuring funding and accountability in the school system and the always talked about issue of parking at the town beach.
Sioson has interjected one interesting angle into his campaign - he thinks the town which has taken its share of public relations hits over the past few years - should consider changing its name to give it a fresh start.

POLLING LOCATIONS

DISTRICT 01 TUTTLE SCHOOL 108 PROSPECT ROAD
DISTRICT 1S EAST FARM VILLAGE 55/65 MESSINA DRIVE
DISTRICT 02 MOMAUGUIN SCHOOL 93 COSEY BEACH ROAD
DISTRICT 03/3S DEER RUN SCHOOL ROUTE 80
DISTRICT 04 OVERBROOK SCHOOL 54 GERRISH AVENUE
DISTRICT 5 HAYS SCHOOL 1 MAPLE STREET
DISTRICT 5S WOODVIEW 1270 NORTH HIGH STREET

POLLS OPEN AT 6:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.