West Haven Election 2025: Christopher Vargo Jr. Running For City Council

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in West Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council, Board of Education and more.

West Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Christopher Vargo Jr. is running for re-election to the West Haven City Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
I am seeking re-election for City Council (District 8)

Campaign Website

https://dorindaformayor.com/

Occupation:

Paralegal of 21 years

Family:
Wife Kirsten of 24 years
Son Mikey (14, freshman at WHHS)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
None

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I've represented the Eight District on the City Council since 2023. I previously served on the Board of Ethics from 2019-2023, serving as Chairman from 2021-2023. I've served on the Democrat Town Committee since 2017

Why are you seeking this office?
I've had the privilege of serving the residents and taxpayers of the Eight District for the past two years. I have a deep calling for public service and contributing to my community. Holding public office allows me to contribute to making my hometown a better place.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
High taxes. While it is unrealistic to expect taxes to go down, I am committed to making sure our tax dollars are used wisely. I'm a homeowner just like the majority of the residents in my district, and I want to make sure my money is used to improve my hometown and our quality of life.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I respect my opponent and appreciate the time he served on the City Council prior to my term.

However, I believe I bring the necessary experience, forethought and knowhow to make positive change. I am dedicated to this job. In my first term, I have not missed a single meeting. I am always prepared for the meetings and believe I add value with the questions I ask and analysis I offer.

I am responsive to my constituents and do my best to make sure they feel heard. I make it a point to maintain regular communication, even if I don't have an update or have the answer I know they want. I strongly believe that people want to feel heard and that their issues matter. I do my best to make my constituents feel that way.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I am proud of my record in supporting our emergency responders, promoting efficiencies in city government, investing in our infrastructure, working to reduce our portfolio of city owned properties, and making our tax dollars work for us. I am committed to continuing with these efforts. I would also like to work on a plan to make absentee landlords more accountable to the community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am a proven leader who recognizes the value everyone brings to the table. Under my leadership the city has the most comprehensive Code of Ethics it has ever had in place.

I have championed for our first responders by lobbying and voting for necessary funding and ordinances they need to keep us safe. The City Council just recently adopted an ordinance targeting street takeovers and recreational vehicles which, as of late, have been used to create havoc on our streets.

During the last two budgets, I have successfully put forth motions to make adjustments that I felt promoted governmental efficiencies and sound business practices, such as properly staffing our Building Department and Animal Control Division, and properly funding our contingency account.

I also lobbied for, and earned the support of my fellow Councilmembers, to allocate funds for the digitization of our Engineering Department, which is a critical step in making sure important, historic records are preserved for years to come.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Listen to people who know more than you, then trust your gut

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I've given everything to this position, and I think my record shows my commitment to the residents and taxpayers of West Haven.

This administration, and this City Council, has worked hard to turn the tide, and we have, but we cannot stop the momentum. Now is the time to double-down and keep moving forward. I am committed to giving everything I have to make my hometown a better place to live