UPDATE: Maturo Hedges On Whether He Will Run For Mayor Again

EAST HAVEN, CT - East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. has ended months of speculation, and shocked many, by announcing he will not be seeking the GOP nomination for a record 10th term in office this November.

So far there are three other announced candidates. Sal Maltese and "Big Steve" Tracey are running for mayor as Republicans; Councilman Joe Carfora is the only announced Democratic candidate.

But in making his decision, Maturo coyly only says he won’t seek his party’s nod - nothing more.

Asked why he didn’t rule out running entirely, Maturo told Patch: “I’m keeping my options open.”

One of those options would be running as an Independent, meaning Maturo would have to petition his way onto the ballot.

In a letter to Republican Town Chairman Robert Parente on Monday, Maturo says:

"Dear Chairman Parente and fellow RTC members:

"After long and careful reflection, I have decided that I will not seek the endorsement at the convention from the Republican Town Committee for the office of Mayor, or for any other elective office for the upcoming November 2019 municipal election.

"As all of you know, prior to being elected to the East Haven Town Council on the Republican ticket in 1991, I served East Haven as a firefighter for almost 18 years. After my tenure as a councilman, I then had the privilege of serving as Mayor from 1997 through 2007, and again from 2011 to the present.

"It has been an honor and privilege for me and my family to have served the Republican party and our great community over the course of the last twnety-eight years as an elected official, and the previous 17-and-one-half years as an East Haven Firefighter.

"During my tenure as your Mayor, our administration along with a team of dedicated individuals and the support of the East Haven Republican Town Committee, has achieved many incredible accomplishments for our great community. Most significantly, instituting 24/7 paramedic service, revolutionizing our Police Department to one of the best in the country, rehabilitating our old High School, and righting the financial messes that we twice inherited upon taking office.

"I am proud to state that East Haven's finances are stable, and the Town's future is brighter than ever.

"On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank all of you for having given me this wonderful opportunity to serve this great community while representing the Republican Town Committee. God speed to you and the great Town of East Haven."

Sincerely,

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr.