East Haven Republicans Pick Candidates For Municipal Election

Jack Kramer, Correspondent

EAST HAVEN, CT – Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. was unanimously nominated for a ninth term as mayor by the Republican Party at Tuesday night’s convention. Accepting the nomination, Maturo declared, "We are a team! And this team has given East Haven low and stables taxes, 16 balanced budgets, and a bond rating we can all be proud of."

In 2015, Maturo easily won his eighth term, receiving 2,981 votes. Democrat Michael Speer received 1,702 votes and Independent challenger Sal Maltese received 1,836 votes.

In nominating Maturo, State Senator Len Fasano said, "The people trust Joe Maturo to do the right thing. He's balanced 16 budgets and hasn't increased taxes in three years because he's not afraid to say 'no.'

Along with Maturo, the Republican Town Committee members re-nominated sitting Town Clerk Stacy Gravino.

Gravino, who has served four terms since being elected in 2009, joined the Republican Party following Maturo's victory over Jack Stacey in the 2013 municipal election. She successfully sought re-election in 2015 alongside Maturo.

Gravino explained, "It is an honor to be nominated and be a part of this great team. I know we will be successful this November and I look forward to serving the residents for another two years."

For Town Council, the Republican Town committee nominated: District 1: Fred Parlato (Incumbent), Robert Parente (Incumbent), and Ken Mckay (Incumbent); District 2: Gary Depalma (Incumbent), Beverly Gravino, and Al Carocci; District 3: Robert Sand (Incumbent), Angelina "Judy" Esposito (Incumbent), and William Richardson (Incumbent); District 4: Linda Hennessey (Incumbent), "Big" Steve Tracey, and Robert Cubellotti; District 5: Richard Anania (Incumbent), Sue Archambault (Incumbent), and Lori Jaffe.

For Board of Finance, the Republican Town Committee nominated Ralph Vitale (Incumbent), Beth Purcell (Incumbent), Robert Schumitz (Incumbent), and Marlene Asid.

Pictured above (L to R): 2017 Board of Education Candidates and Mayor: Tom Hennessey, Samantha Parlato, Michele Delucia, Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., Lisa Geraci-Anastasio, Temple Smith, and John Finkle. For Board of Education, the Republican Town Committee nominated Tom Hennessey (Incumbent), John Finkle (Incumbent), Michele Delucia (Incumbent), Lisa GeraciAnastasio (Incumbent), Temple Smith, and Samantha Parlato.