West Haven Election 2023: Silvana Apicella 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.

Silvana Apicella, 50, is running for election to the West Haven City Council as a Republican.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.facebook.com/SApic...

What office are you seeking?

City Council At-Large

Education.

Albertus Magnus College- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management

What is your occupation?

Account Manager/Dispatcher

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

My mom Iole Apicella is a retired educator from the New Haven school system. She has always supported me unconditionally and is my rock. My son Lorenzo was WH Adult Education’s student of the year and has recently turned 20, he a respectful, caring and hard working young man. I would also like to mention my niece Karina that is so special to me. She is currently at Sound School and running cross country for West Haven High.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have never held public office but served on the charter revision commission 2018-2019 and currently serving on the Ethics commission.

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?

Having lived in West Haven my entire lifetime, buying a house, and raising my son, I have witnessed the decline, felt the sting of the ever-increasing taxes, the stagnation of economic development and the inaction of the present City Council.

We are enduring a diminishing quality of life due to the many years of one incompetent administration after another. This past year we watched as the City Council refused the resident’s request for oversight and monthly reporting of the Covid funds, which could have prevented $1.2 million from being stolen. We were shocked when the Council refused to act after 2, I repeat, 2 audits revealed that Department Heads received tens of thousands of dollars of Covid funds they were not entitled to receive.

We need a City Council comprised of individuals that understand the duties of being a Council member. To that end, I became fully aware of those while a member of the Charter Revision Commission in 2018. We need our Council to be accountable and represent their constituents, not their friends and bank accounts.

In the last 5 years, we have seen 6 Finance directors, two of which were dismissed in the middle of a budget cycle. Therefore, I will be seeking an ordinance which will require the City Council’s approval of any Department Head, based on qualifications and experience, not cronyism.

We realize that West Haven has endless potential, with our miles of beaches, underutilized waterfront property and lack of economic development. We are in severe need of a real vision, a renaissance, a change of the current mindset, change in how the city operates, change on the third floor, and change in the City Council.

With that endless potential, there are better days ahead for West Haven. I will work as diligently as I did on the Charter Revision Commission and as the creator of one of the finest community events in the city, Pizza Wars, that has raised thousands of dollars for our youth and charity through the West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s Women’s Auxiliary.

Those who know me understand that I WILL question that which needs to be questioned and fight for the residents; those that do not will learn very quickly. My recent appointment to the Board of Ethics, with the endorsement of members of both parties can attest to that. I have always been an advocate for the residents, and I will continue to fight for the changes necessary to ensure the success of the City.

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

Our forever increasing taxes and lack of economic development. I will not rubber stamp our budget. I promise to do the work and present cuts where possible. Another tax increase is the last thing any of us need! I will also promote, facilitate, and make business connections to help bring the economic boom we’ve been waiting for all these years.

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

I show my commitment to the city, time and time again through my work with local civic organizations such as the Italian American Civics Association's Ladies Auxiliary and the West Haven Elks #1537. "Pizza Wars" was an extremely successful event in 2019. We raised enough money to give out 5 scholarships to West Haven High School Seniors that excelled in Italian. Since our first event, we (the auxiliary) continue to raise money and give back to our community.
I have no other agenda than to serve my community. I have no link to any political faction in the city. I do not work in city hall. I am an extremely hard worker. I want our city to thrive, and I want young families to experience a piece of the West Haven I had growing up. I think it's great that my opponents care enough to run for office. It's not an easy thing to do and I wish them all well. However, I plan on giving the council back to the people and be a true West Haven voice for them.

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

In 2 terms my incumbent has not brought forth a single resolution or ordinance, rubber stamped our budget and was the deciding vote for the next mayor’s salary increase, which intern raises our taxes once again. It’s time for some new faces to represent the citizens. Ones that will serve the people instead of themselves.

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

100% communication always! I am fully committed to the city and legitimately care. I look forward to bringing Fiscal Responsibility, True Economic Development, Improved Quality of Life, Educational Excellence, and Honesty and Open lines of Communication between my Constituents and the Council.

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

My employment background is Communications, administrative, financial, logistical and managerial. I have a very strong work ethic and voice.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat people like you want to be treated. That is my mantra.

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

I’m going to end with this. Our city is so fixated on party lines, but this year I’m really asking everyone to look at the people and really think about who they feel can represent them. There are many great candidates on the Republican slate this year that will put our residents first and give them a voice that has been missing all these years. Voters need to take a chance. Our city has endured years of mismanagement with zero accountability on the city council side. It’s time for real people not politicians to be in those seats representing you, the Voter! I’m ready to work for you on day 1.

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.