Joe Carfora Makes Decision On Running for Mayor of East Haven

EAST HAVEN, CT - Joseph Carfora, councilman for the 3rd District, has officially decided to run for the Democratic nomination for mayor.

Carfora, who gave credit to his brother Al Carfora who he said will help him manage his campaign, joins Republican Big Steve Tracey as the two official candidates in the race.

Nine-time incumbent Republican Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. has yet to announce whether he will be seeking a 10th term. The election is this November.

Here is Carfora's full campaign announcement.

"After a great deal of consideration, discussions with my family, my lifelong commitment to our community and an incredible volume of positive encouragement from residents townwide, I am announcing my intent to seek the Democratic nomination for the Mayor of East Haven.

"Many have asked, why do you want to do this? I respond with several reasons. I am tired of watching the condition of our town deteriorate around us. I am appalled by the numerous lawsuits that the taxpayers will eventually have to fund. I am sickened by a declining school system, its apparent corruption and the resulting investigations that have now come to the forefront.

"Finally, I am disappointed with our town continually being dragged through the mud in the newspapers. I believe I am the right person at the right time to lead this community back to its once proud foundations. Finances are certainly important but so is quality of life. When I made this decision to seek this office, I realized my entire life will be scrutinized from my humble beginnings on Jeffry Road where two hard working middle class parents raised four good children, and to raising my own two beautiful children.

"One other decision I have made is to have an administration that is open and transparent to our residents and the best way to show and prove that is to start with myself.

"As many small business owners in town and statewide will tell you, it is not always easy. I myself have fallen behind on some of my financial obligations and it has been my intent for you the citizens to hear it from me first but you should also hear the reason why before this fact is exploited by my political opponents.

"Due to circumstances within my family, the task of taking care of a terminally ill parent full time and another parent suffering with dementia issues that was placed squarely on my shoulders due to the fact that my three brothers had obligations to their full-time employers. As a result, my business suffered but my employees did not ,as no one lost their jobs because of this. I am paying off these obligations and will have it completely resolved in the very near future. I have rebounded from this situation and have learned a lot from it. I will be able to use this experience and many others as your mayor.

"A decision to run for an office of this magnitude should not be taken lightly. I expect to be attacked on every level, but I am prepared for this challenge. Having experienced the trials and tribulations of running my own trucking business for 37 years, I have faced many bumps in the road, (no pun intended). Like every small business owner, there have been many ups and downs. I dealt with those challenges head-on , with no one else to pick up the tab but myself, which is why I am still in business. I will take these experiences and qualities and fight for you, the taxpayer, as your Mayor. With your support we will strengthen our community and achieve greater heights together.”