West Haven Election 2023: Gary Donovan 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.

Gary Donovan, 61, is running for re-election to the West Haven City Council as a Democrat.

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

District 4

Education.

High School Diploma and some college

What is your occupation?

Retired from Metro-North RR after 37 years

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

I’m married for 37 years to my beautiful wife, Judy. I have two children, Alyssa who is 29 years old & my son, Gary jr. who just turned 27. I have two dogs, Xena, a rescue from Puerto Rico and Luna bichon poodle mix, I also have a cat named rocket who is 12 years old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am currently a Councilman-at-Large for West Haven

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 have always been involved with community service for West Haven. I have coached baseball softball football basketball for over 30 years. I enjoy giving back to the community and I want to make the city a better place to live for all residents. I am a huge component of economic development. And keeping our Shoreline, beautiful and progressive. I have enjoyed serving the residence of the entire city of West Haven and now I’m gonna focus on our district 4 residence.

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

Bringing West Haven together as one community, I am willing to work with all factions and not just a certain party.

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

I have lived in West Haven, my entire life and still do. I always respond to any resident issues that they may have, try to get them resolved and get back to them as soon as possible. I am also willing to work together as one unit.

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

The current incumbent for district 4 has stepped down after doing a wonderful job and I know I will continue to do the same job

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

Financial accountability, economic development within our district and look forward to getting a transfer station in our city to reduce cost

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

I have been a councilman at large for the past four years, and I started the Shoreline Restoration Committee which was to remove invasive trees and plants on our shore, and replace them with native trees and plants. I have also worked hand-in-hand with other council members, the mayor, state, representatives, state, senators, and will continue to keep that pipeline open and work to better our city. I have gotten streets paved Throughout the city as well. I will continue to volunteer my time to the community and I have sold many city owned properties to businesses and residents so we can get them on the tax roll.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Best advice I have ever received was from my parents, they always told me to treat people the way I want to be treated, and to be honest and transparent and thanks to them, I have been a good person throughout my life.

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

I was a graduate of the class of 1980 at Platt Tech and was class president, I was president of West Haven, Little League for many years. I was on a board that started a volunteer group called West Haven, United, which during tough times in our city, organized movies on the green, city, wide, cleanups and help distribute food to those in need. I have no stake in the game by running for office and I truly wanna see West Haven succeed.

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.