West Haven Democratic Primary: Rossi Seeks Mayoral Nomination

WEST HAVEN, CT — Incumbent Democratic West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi is facing a primary challenge as she seeks a third term in office.

Rossi received the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement in July and is being challenged by John Lewis, who was former Mayor Ed O'Brien's executive assistant.

Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary, which is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 14.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi

Occupation: Mayor and CPA

Family: Nancy and Arthur Rossi, we have two adult children, Angelo, 38 and Stephen 36. Three grandchildren, Arthur 11 years, Julianna 2 years, Cecilia 5 months old.

Experience: Mayor since 2017 and City Council Member 2005 until 2015

Family in government: No, with the exception of my position of Mayor.

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Pressing issue is Finances. Other pressing issues are the budget and addressing deferred maintenance and economic development.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

The critical difference between myself and the other candidates is my experience and proven results. My administration has delivered real progress. We have taken the City of West Haven from the brink of bankruptcy to a fund balance of $3.5 M. The city is moving in the right direction.

Accomplishments:

In addition to going from the brink of bankruptcy to a fund balance of $3.2M, the City has had three balanced budgets with surpluses, our general fund is $3.58M and growing. The City is projecting another surplus for fiscal year 2021. Quality of life and deferred maintenance has been addressed citywide. We have renovated parks, and playgrounds and athletic facilities. We have initiated an aggressive paving and sidewalk repair program. Our Standard and Poors bond rating outlook was upgraded to positive from stable. There is increased economic development across the city.

Other issues:

Our campaign platform is centered around moving West Haven forward and continuing the momentum. The City has so many great projects we are working on including the raising of Beach Street, the completion of the new West Haven High School, the initiation of a plan to replace Washington School, the replacement of the flood gates at the Cove River and walking bridge and continuing the work on financial, and quality of life and marketing the city for economic development.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

My administration has worked tirelessly to improve West Haven. We have assembled a talented and dedicated team and have produced real progress for the city. The work is not done and I look forward to continuing the progress over the next two years. The future is bright for West Haven.