West Haven Election 2021: Colleen O'Connor For City Council

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in West Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council, Board of Education and more.

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

Republican Colleen A. O'Connor, 55, is running for re-election as West Haven City Council At-Large.

Occupation: Assistant Manager Of Arethusa Farm Dairy In New Haven

Family: 2 Sons, Rob 37 and Ray 20 and 1 Grandson Robby 8

Experience: Current Council at Large and Former Chairperson WHRTC

Family in government: No, I am the only one

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

Economic Development and I intend to work with any and all developers who have an interest in West Haven. West Haven has great potential. One of our local business owners said we are close enough to NYC without all the expenses.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am a team player. Once elected I work with everyone. No one can get things done properly in a vacuum. We need everyone on the Council working together. Which is what this current Council did and we got a lot accomplished because we worked together.

Accomplishments:

Because of COVID we did 18 months of Council meetings via Zoom and I had perfect attendance. I return all e-mails and phone calls in a timely manor and I take the time to listen. I understand how frustrating it can be when things are going slow or not your way. I do what I can to help.

Other issues:

I am the Library Liaison and we are working hard to find a new location for the Allingtown branch of the West Haven Public Library which is very important to me. Quality of Life issues are also very important so I am helping with the Shoreline Restoration Project to make our beaches a more enjoyable location.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a true blue Westie. It was a childhood dream of mine to become active in politics. I truly believe I have been training all my life to do this and I will do the best job that I can for every citizen of West Haven.

Are you running for office in West Haven? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on West Haven Patch.