Tony Giannattasio Receives Republican Nomination For Milford Mayor

MILFORD, CT – In November, when Tony Giannattasio sees his name on the ballot, he said he will feel blessed to have the opportunity to put his name forward to serve the Milford Community.

“This is my way of giving back to the community,” he said. “I have a passion for helping people, and seeing my name on the ballot will make me feel proud that I grew up in Milford, education in Milford, and now running for Mayor to pass along all the opportunities I had growing up.”

Giannattasio said on the ballot in November that his name will appear as Tony Giannattasio.

“I’ve always thought about running for mayor, and it’s not an easy decision, but the time that I’m in my life right now, it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I’ve worked shoulder to shoulder with Mayors James Richitelli, Ben Blake and Richard Smith and know what is required to lead.”

“When you become mayor, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not just a job,” Giannattasio added. “That’s important because people want to know that they’re being represented positively and that the best interests are always for the city of Milford.”

Giannattasio has been in public service for Milford for 20 years, which he said will help him prepare on Day 1 if elected mayor.

“I’m enjoying the process and the journey, and I’m excited, but there’s also a calmness that comes with the experience,” he said. “I’m ready for the expectation of being ready to serve on Day 1.”

Giannattasio said he not only brings with him 20 years of local government experience but also experience in the private sector.

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs,” he said. “My dad started a recycling company, and that’s the business I’m in today, Milford Barrel. I have a business background of 35 years, and I’m the vice president of sales at Milford Barrel.”

Giannattasio's first time in public service was when he was elected to be on the planning and zoning commission, where he learned gained knowledge about regulation and responsible development.

Giannattasio is the minatory leader on the Board of Aldermen, where he has served for 16 years.

“Sitting on the Board of Aldermen, I had a front-row seat for many great things, but sometimes we have natural disasters like Storm Sandy and Irene, and we had to be ready to respond to the needs of the community,” he said. “The main thing I’ve learned on the Board of Aldermen is that we are all Milford residents. There is no room for politics in city government, and we all want the same thing, a successful Milford.”

Being an Alderman, Giannattasio said he’s familiar with the budget line items and has worked with all city departments to ensure their budget is fiscally prudent to allow them to do their jobs.

“Being in the minority for 12 years, I’ve demonstrated leadership by being able to work across the aisle to do things on behalf of the people,” he said. “I think that’s very important for someone going into this position, and that’s where I’ve stood out.”

As mayor, Giannattasio wants to ensure the departments are adequately staffed to resolve issues without delay and to guarantee that money is spent with the taxpayers in mind.

“For long-term goals, I want to ensure Milford is a welcoming and affordable community for all residents and visitors,” he said.

Giannattasio said he looks forward to the work of being Milford Mayor.

“I think we are in a great time, and we can continue to work upon the things we have been working on for the past two decades and making Milord a better place for everyone to live the American Dream,” he said. “I would be greatly honored to be the next mayor and keep Milford on the path to success.”