West Haven Election 2023: Barry Lee Cohen Running For Mayor

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in West Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 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.

Barry Lee Cohen is running for mayor of West Haven as a Republican.

First, why are you seeking this office?

The November 7th election will be a Referendum on Change.

Voters are ready to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability to city government, as well as an economic revival that will improve the quality of life for every Westie.

The message has been loud and clear: For decades, one political party has ruled at City Hall – and it shows. Voters desire a new and better direction.

Having the same party in power for over three decades has resulted in economic neglect, high taxes, blight, and financial corruption, as well as a decline in safety and security. The public trust is broken and the party that shattered it cannot be trusted to repair it.

As an engaged local business leader and a former global director of an advanced technology corporation, I’m ready to lead on Day One.

West Haven is demanding change and I'm proud to be recognized as that agent of change as endorsed by Republicans, Independents, and a large group of Democrats.

This election is a transformational moment for West Haven. We can and must Win for West Haven. It's TIME FOR CHANGE.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Without a doubt, it’s lowering taxes through responsible ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

The most asked question by voters this election cycle is “Why can’t we be more like Milford?” My answer is, “Why aren’t we better than Milford?” We have 4.3 miles of shoreline, a strategic location to major roadways, coupled with a train station and two outstanding universities. Plus, the beginning of a renaissance in Allingtown that should extend to the Boston Post Road.

Although West Haven is a community of immense riches, for over a generation we have been recognized as the city of missed opportunities. Furthermore, there are businesses that will not develop or expand in West Haven due to our lack of credibility of the party in power. A former global director of a $1.2 billion corporation, this will change under my leadership.

Understanding and appreciating the needs of investors and developers is essential. Knowing and speaking the language of industry, technology, supply chain, local business, and corporate requires real-world experience that can't be legislated; it must be lived. Listening, earning respect and trust, forming partnerships, negotiating innovative programs and incentives, and leading take years that cannot be easily earned or taken for granted.

Economic development goes beyond government grants. Although an important tool to improve infrastructure, utilities, and roads, grants---your tax dollars-- grants unto themselves are not sustainable.

As your mayor, accelerating economic development will be my absolute top priority to improve the quality of life for every family, veteran, and senior citizen.

Working with an empowered Economic Development Commission, along with developers and investors, as well as our state and federal officials, my team and I will focus on:

• Revitalizing the Boston Post Road to best optimize the geographic challenges of this high-profile entrance to our city.
• My advocacy for a technology corridor from Frontage Road / Railroad Avenue to the train station stems back two decades. Tapping state and federal programs, in conjunction with private investors and leading organizations, such a venture will be vigorously pursued.
• Transforming our downtown. A special district spanning all of Campbell Avenue to a defined area of Main Street and Wagner Place will be proposed. A key part of the program will be to assist business and property owners to maintain and enhance their facilities so that new businesses see the value of choosing West Haven vs. area municipalities.
• Strategic planning and marketing of our cherished shorefront will include collaboration with property owners, residents, and small businesses alike. Our shoreline should be the envy of Connecticut.
• Finally, It is time we enforced the ordinances on the books while offering innovative programs and incentives to entice businesses to WANT TO LOCATE AND THRIVE IN WEST HAVEN.

As I’ve stated many times, it will take me more than two years to get much of this done. However, you will see progress on each of these vital programs. My comprehensive platform.

We are going to tap upon and execute on the LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES THAT WEST HAVEN POSSESSES.

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

Unlike my opponent, I have real world, private sector leadership experience that goes well beyond legislation.

With all due respect, my opponent is part of the status quo and tied to the past which includes over 2/3 of her ticket.

Furthermore, my opponent does not have the RIGHT MIX OF KNOWLEDGE TO WIN FOR WEST HAVEN. I offer hands-on, experienced leadership.

· A former global director for a $1.2 billion technology corporation, I am ready to lead on Day One.

· A local business owner who must set and meet a budget and control costs. I understand what it takes to foster economic development.

· A Cohen administration will not be led by one party or faction.

· Accessible and accountable leadership that goes beyond legislation.

What has surprised and truly disappointed voters has been the negative campaigning by my opponent, instead of addressing issues most important to them. Voters are dismayed at the misrepresentations and distortions of my public service. IT'S TIME TO PUT POLITICS ASIDE.

DORINDA BORER IS MY OPPONENT, BUT CERTAINLY NOT MY ENEMY.

My opponent is the Deputy Speaker of the CT House of Representatives. It’s easy to elect another state representative. However, given the city’s financial corruption and mismanagement which has led to MARB oversight, West Haven is NOT going to have another Deputy Speaker, never mind a ranking member of the Appropriations Committee any time soon.

My opponent should remain in Hartford. As the two of us have demonstrated in the past, we will continue to closely collaborate and remain committed to moving West Haven forward. This is my promise.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way do you believe the current officeholder has failed the community?

Although the current Mayor is not seeking reelection, I am running against 34 years of the status quo, which includes my opponent.

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

I have a LIFETIME OF COMMUNITY SERVICE. In terms of private sector business accomplishments, my work has been recognized by both corporations and leading nonprofit industry associations. This includes two President's Awards (the corporation’s first two-time recipient) for the areas of "Leadership", "One Company" and "Operational Excellence."

My differentiated background in highly matrixed, global companies with a local touch, has afforded me the opportunity to be an engaged member of non-profit industry and civic organizations. Over the years, I have served on multiple boards for trade conferences and events. I have also served as Vice President of communications and was a past member of the Board of Directors for a leading, electronics association, as well as a past chairperson for North America's largest plating and surface finishing exhibition and technical conference.

In my one term as a councilman and over the last two years, I have:

· Collaborated with the majority party to dramatically reduce MARB-mandated tax increase

· Voted NO on the 2021-22, due to poorly conceived Economic Development strategy

· TWICE eliminated salary increases for elected officials

· I will refuse the $22,000 pay raise as approved by my opponent's party.

My ongoing and/or prior involvement in our incredible community includes:

· Ward-Heitmann House Museum, Board of Directors

· West Haven Community House, Board of Directors

· West Haven Lodge of Elks Member

· City Councilman, Co-Minority Leader

· West Haven Planning & Zoning Commission

· West Haven Economic Development Task Force

· West Haven Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors

· Savin Rock Festival Committee

· Facilitated Hubbard Farms Park Revitalization

· Other local philanthropic activities include work with the CT Humane Society and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, amongst others.

Event and Fundraisers Sponsorships

· 2023 West Haven Summer Concert Series (an Event Sponsor)

· West Haven Community House, "Night at the Races" (Ad Sponsor)

· West Haven Rocks WHEAT food and supplies drives (Organizer and Co-Sponsor)

· West Haven Animal Shelter food and supplies drive (Organizer and Co-sponsor)

· Ward-Heitmann House Museum, "Get a Hug" Hoodie Fundraiser (Organizer)

· Rotary Club, "Turkey Trot" (an Event Sponsor)

· Surfside Veterans, Co-Sponsor - Car Wash

But it’s not what you join but what you do! I’m a roll-up-the-sleeves, hands-on guy and that is exactly what you will get on Day One when I am elected your next mayor

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It may be insane to live a dream, But it's madness to live without one. And... "Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." -Goethe

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Voters are demanding meaningful Change that starts with new leadership that is trusted, accountable, and experienced to lead on Day One of taking the oath of office.

The status quo is no longer acceptable or sustainable. Having the same party in power for over three decades has resulted in economic neglect, high taxes, blight, and financial corruption, as well as a decline in safety and security. The public trust is broken and the party that shattered it cannot be trusted to repair it.

A Cohen administration will not be led by one party or one faction. I will not be a Republican mayor, nor will I be a Westshore mayor. I will be West Haven’s mayor.

PUBLIC SERVICE IS A BLESSING that I hold dear and I will never take for granted.

If elected, I will not be a ribbon-cutting mayor, but a leader that will roll-up his sleeves and work on your behalf with determination and deep gratitude. My team will never forget that we work for you!

Regardless if falling trees, flooding, property damage, or assisting you to get the answers and respect you deserve, I will continue to be present and hands-on, with an open mind and open heart. I will lead, listen, and clearly communicate.

Now more than ever, it’s time to PUT PARTY LABELS ASIDE. Serving the public should never be about R, D, I, U---because it’s about us!

On Tuesday, November 7th, I ask for your vote and trust as mayor.

Thank you and God Bless.

See also: West Haven Election 2023: Dorinda Borer Running For Mayor

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.