East Haven Democrats Apologize for Speer's Behavior on Election Night

East Haven Democrats are apologizing on behalf of the actions of their Mayoral candidate Michael Speer on Election Night.

After Republican Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. won re-election Speer and some Democrats went to Republican headquarters to wish Maturo congratulations, but Speer ended up being escorted out after allegedly yelling and shouting vulgarities to Republicans including Town Clerk Stacy Gravino, according to the New Haven Register.

Democrats apologized for Speer’s comments and behavior in a letter to Republicans.

Read the full letter below:

East Haven Democratic Town Committee

Dear (Republican) Chairman (Paul_ Carbo,

First and most importantly, congratulations on your victory the other night.

Once campaigns are over it is back to the business of running our fine town. A worthy energetic campaign is always healthy to inspire ideas. Our party stands devoted to upholding the best interests of our citizens and look forward to assisting you to meet that end.

The second purpose of this message is to speak the occurrence that transpired at the Mayor’s victory celebration. While some provided apologies for the incident that evening, we want to be unmistakably clear that the incident was no way endorsed by our Democratic Party.

In good faith, and as is custom, our leadership, along with Michael Speer, walked to the celebration to concede the race, and also to congratulate your entire team.

Our leadership had no prior knowledge of the candidate’s intended and consequential actions. It was not proper and in poor taste. His actions in no way epitomize the values of our party and will be dealt with accordingly. A hard fought campaign should always end with a respectful handshake and the mending of differences so that the most important tasks at hand can be addressed. That certainly was our objective.

Congratulations and best of luck in the coming term

The East Haven DTC Executive Board, Richard DePalma – Chairman