West Haven Election 2023: Christopher Vargo Running For City Council

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.

Christopher Vargo Jr., 40, is running for election to the West Haven City Council as a Democrat.

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

8th District

Education.

B.S. in Business Management

What is your occupation?

Paralegal (litigation, bankruptcy & family law) for 19 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife Kirsten and our 12-year-old son Michael (Mikey)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I am the current Chairman of the West Haven Board of Ethics and am a member of the Democratic Town Committee

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe our City Council needs to be open and transparent with the residents. I believe West Haven has so much to offer but we are unable to get the positive momentum we need. I have an ingrained calling to serve my community and help to make it the best it can be.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is high taxes and where our tax dollars are being spent. I plan to take a hard look at upcoming budgets to make sure they are lean and efficient, and that they are allocating our tax dollars properly to maximize the "bang for our buck."

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

I have not served on City Council but I hold leadership roles in other community organizations and nonprofits. I pride myself in being open and transparent - even with bad news - so no one feels in the dark. This helps me build positive relationships with the people I serve and the people I work with so we can work toward a collaborative solution.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I believe the key issues are high taxes and use of tax dollars, financial controls, rebuilding the public trust in local government, and making sure our law enforcement officers and first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs.

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

As Chairman of the Board of Ethics, I led the Board in drafting and codifying a total rewrite of the Code of Ethics into a new ordinance. The new Code provides clear standards of conduct, as well as a concise blueprint for how complaints are to be handled.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you think you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

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

I have been a part of West Haven Youth Soccer League for over 6 years. I am a former Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 288 and I currently serve as the Pack's Charter Organization Representative. I have been Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the First Congregational Church for 6 years.

I believe in honesty and transparency. In each of these roles I have worked with people of differing opinions to find common ground. That's usually where the best solutions are found.

I love West Haven. I love the life my wife and I have built here with and for our son. I believe we can, and must, do better, and I'm confident I can help.

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.