West Haven Candidate Profile: Michael P. Last For City Treasurer

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in West Haven and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

West Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Michael P. Last, 54, is running for City Treasurer as a Democrat.

Are you running for office in West Haven? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to West Haven Patch.

Family:

Wife Kathe, Daughter Kelly and son Michael

Education:

BS - Financial Accounting - University of New Haven - 1988; Notre Dame High School 1983.

Occupation: Chief Financial Officer - State of CT - Agricultural Experiment Station. Have been at the Experiment Station for 23 years and began State career at the Office of the State Treasurer in 1989 as an accountant. Just completed 30 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Currently City Treasurer, elected in 2017 (ceremonial). Served on the City Council from 2011-2015. Was the council finance chair from 2011-2013.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Over the past two years the Rossi Administration has made great strides in improving the financial condition of the city. With that said, there is still a lot of work to be done. We have to continue making sure our budgets are balanced and continue to make our government more efficient and deliver services in the most cost-effective manner.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have 30 years of government finance experience and a proven record on the West Haven City Council and as treasurer of promoting fiscal discipline and responsibility.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

To ensure balanced budgets, increasing the city's fund balance, maximizing investment income and working to better the city's bond rating.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Increasing investment income for the city from $11,508 in 2017 to $198,896 in 2018. Investment income continues to grow. Vendors are paid in a timely manner.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

If you are going to do something, give it 100% and don't ever compromise your values or integrity.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been involved in community service my entire adult life. Have been a volunteer with West Haven Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program for 36 years, served as a coach for 28 years and in my 10th year as President of the organization.

Campaign website:

www.MayorNancyRossi.com