West Haven Election 2025: Silvana Apicella Running For Board of Assessment Appeals

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.

Silvana Apicella is running for election to the West Haven Board of Assessment Appeals as a Republican.

Occupation:
19 years in the communications industry, her background is administrative, financial, logistical and managerial.

Family:
My mom Iole Apicella is a retired New Haven Educator, who is not only my rock, but I am her biggest fan and so grateful to have her supporting all my endeavors. My son and niece are the lights of my life. Lorenzo is hardworking, kind and working towards a career in law enforcement. Karina, attends Sound School with the goal of becoming a Marine Biologist, she is athletic, intelligent, hardworking and driven. My sister Angelica is so important to me and I’m so proud of how far she has come.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Charter Revision Commission 2018-2019 and currently Serving on the Board of Ethics since 2023
West Haven Italian American Civic Association Ladies Auxiliary Parliamentarian 2019-2025

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m a life long resident, home owner that is feeling the sting just like everyone else. I am not afraid to stand up and fight for what is right. People in the community are struggling to make ends meet while our taxes continue to rise. I’m ready to help.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Our ever rising taxes. We need to make West Haven a destination location. We have so much potential. Yet piece by piece the city is being sold off to UNH. There are opportunities for creating revenue and the candidates of Row B are ready on day 1 to work towards getting the residents tax relief.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My opponents work for the mayor, I will work for the people of West Haven.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
There is nothing more important than tax relief. We have 80 year old homeowners whom are mortgage free paying the city rent! There is so much wrong with that. I want to help.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
On Charter Revision we tried to take the politics out of city management. Some say our suggestions were too bold. I’m not afraid to take on challenges. I love this city and I’ll fight for it as long as I’m here.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If you want it bad enough, keep trying. Don’t give up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’m going to end with this. Our city is so fixated on party lines, but this year we have no one challenging Dorinda. She has accomplished a lot, however the tax payers are the ones feeling the sting. I am asking everyone to look at the people running and really think about who they feel will work for them. These seats belong to the taxpayer. There are council members who just vote yes because it’s what the mayor wants, not necessarily because it’s best for the taxpayer. There are many great candidates on the Republican slate this year that will put our residents first. The Row B candidates have so much more to prove and will work 110% harder for you. Voters need to take a chance. It’s time for real people not politicians to be in those seats representing you. I’m ready to work on day 1. Taxation is theft!