Politics & Government

East Haven Democratic Town Committee Unanimously Endorses Incumbent Registrar Rich DePalma

DePalma "offers a tireless work ethic, non-partisan dedication, and defensive stewardship of local democracy," EH DTC.

From the East Haven Democratic Town Committee:

EAST HAVEN, CT — East Haven Democratic Town Committee unanimously endorsed incumbent Registrar Rich DePalma for re-election on Tuesday, May 19.

Rich offers a tireless work ethic, non-partisan dedication, and defensive stewardship of local democracy.

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Having served alongside DePalma for the last four years, Cindy Sparago highlighted a side of the Registrar that the general public rarely sees, emphasizing his intense seriousness and proactive problem-solving.

"I get to see another side of him," Sparago said. "I see the man who takes this work incredibly seriously. He thinks nothing of calling me at 6:30 in the morning because he’s been mulling over a statute or procedure. I see him out in the garage in the freezing cold, intense heat, or pouring rain, making sure our equipment is packed safely and every detail is covered."

Find out what's happening in East Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Sparago noted that DePalma’s true impact lies in his ability to maintain his composure under immense pressure and resolve logistical issues before they can disrupt the voting process.

"What many people never realize is how many problems Rich quietly prevents before anyone else even knows they exist. That may actually be his superpower," Sparago said. "And I see him working very hard to keep his cool when others make that nearly impossible."

The endorsement emphasizes DePalma's active stance against any actions that could compromise the voting process or restrict voter access in East Haven. DePalma steps up without hesitation to protect the public whenever he identifies threats to fair elections, including attempts to close polling places or efforts that limit ballot box access.

At a time when election administration is increasingly scrutinized, Sparago underlined DePalma's core philosophy that the Registrar's Office must remain entirely non-partisan.

At the core of his work is a simple belief: The Registrar’s Office does not belong to one party. It belongs to the voters of East Haven—all of them. Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters alike—every citizen deserves fairness, transparency, professionalism, and respect.

And that is exactly what Rich DePalma delivers. Not with theatrics. Not with outrage. Not with partisan gamesmanship. But with competence, integrity, patience, and a genuine commitment to democracy itself.

DePalma is seeking re-election to continue his standard of professional, neutral, and secure election administration for all residents of East Haven

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