Former Hamden Mayor Named Finance Director In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven Finance Director Frank Cieplinski is no longer employed with the city, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced Thursday.

Rossi said she has appointed former Hamden Mayor Scott D. Jackson as the new director of finance as “we continue to improve our city’s financial position and regain the trust of our residents and stakeholders.”

The city’s finances have come under intense scrutiny in the wake of recent scandals, including the arrest of former Democratic State Rep. Michael DiMassa and three others in connection with the theft of more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds and other funds from West Haven, according to authorities.

Read Rossi’s full statement below:

“Effective immediately, Finance Director Frank Cieplinski is no longer employed by the City of West Haven. I thank Mr. Cieplinski for his service to the City of West Haven.

“I have appointed Scott D. Jackson, of Hamden, as the director of finance, effective Monday, Feb. 28. Mr. Jackson brings a wealth of municipal, state and managerial expertise and experience to the city, and I look forward to working with him closely to evaluate controls and reorganize our Finance Department.

“Mr. Jackson has served in many capacities in local and state governments. He was elected as the mayor of Hamden in 2009 and was later appointed as the town’s finance director. He was appointed as an undersecretary at the state Office of Policy and Management and was an original member of the Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB). He served as the commissioner of the state Department of Labor and was later named as the commissioner of the state Department of Revenue Services. Mr. Jackson also served as the chief of staff to New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.

“Scott Jackson is a perfect candidate for this position as we continue to improve our city’s financial position and regain the trust of our residents and stakeholders. He brings the financial and managerial experience we need to address our current challenges and move onward to meet our full potential. Scott is a true professional, and I look forward to working with him in West Haven.

“I plan to introduce Scott Jackson to the City Council on Monday evening at its regular meeting and request to address the City Council on improvements to the city’s financial internal control structure since the alleged theft of funds by former state Rep. Michael A. DiMassa and acquaintances. Mr. Jackson will lead the continued evaluation of the city’s current system and implement any additional controls necessary to ensure that public funds are protected and the public trust in our Finance Department and city is restored.”