Maturo Campaign Letter: Speer Campaign Engages in 'Childish Mudslinging'

Editor’s Note: Written entirely and submitted by the Joseph Maturo Jr. campaign

East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr.’s managerial and campaign experience shined in Tuesday night’s debate as he scored a decisive victory over Michael Speer, the lone challenger who opted to participate in the debate sponsored by the North Haven League of Women Voters.

Maturo campaign spokesman Ken Mckay explained, “Tonight, Mayor Maturo demonstrated a complete understanding of every facet of running our government and presented a clear plan for leading the Town forward. While his opponent wasted a significant portion of the night engaging in childish mudslinging, the Mayor laid out his vision for continued prosperity and growth for the Town of East Haven.”

Sal Maltese, the Independent Party candidate running on a third line, declined to participate in the debate, citing that he had a previously scheduled fundraiser for the night of the debate that he could not move.

Mckay continued, “Mr. Speer had no problem slinging mud all night, and drew boos from the crowd for his negative remarks. However, at no point throughout the night did he lay out a tax plan for the Town, explain how he’d balance budgets, or discuss how he’d continue to lower debt.”

Mckay noted, “Tonight was an opportunity for both of the Mayor’s challengers to demonstrate why the people should entrust them with leading this community. Mr. Speer failed to do this, instead opting to spend the evening distastefully attacking the Mayor’s character.”

Topics addressed in the debate ranged from taxes and bonding to plans for the old high school, noise pollution, the West End, and making East Haven greener. Especially on the topics of taxes, budgets, and reducing debt, Maturo’s mayoral experience shined.

Mckay explained, “With just 14 days to go until Election Day, neither of the Mayor’s opponents have laid out a comprehensive plan to keep taxes stable, balance future budgets, improve infrastructure, and make education improvements. On the other hand, Mayor Maturo, both in tonight’s debate and throughout the campaign, has laid out a realistic plan to keep taxes stable, balance future budgets, and keep debt manageable.”

In his closing statement, Maturo thanked the people of East Haven for entrusting him with leading East Haven for 14 of the last 18 years and spoke of his pride in the Town’s students, employees, and various civic organizations. In closing, he highlighted his fiscal policy achievements and asked for the public’s support for his re-election effort.

Mckay concluded, “If residents were uncertain coming into tonight’s debate about who to support in the November 3rd election, Mayor Maturo left no doubt that he is clearly the best-suited person to lead East Haven forward. On every issue, Maturo demonstrated both superior knowledge and clearer vision for the future. He made a great case, tonight, for believing in East Haven and for rewarding his team with another term on Election Day.”