West Haven Republicans Endorse Candidate For Mayor

WEST HAVEN, CT — Paige Weinstein received the Republican Town Committee’s endorsement for mayor at the party’s nominating convention Tuesday night at West Haven High School.

“I am grateful to the West Haven RTC for their decision and support,” Weinstein said in a statement following the convention. “Seeing the unity of the West Haven Republican Party has bolstered my desire to further unite our greater community beyond party lines, returning City Hall back to the people.”

Weinstein, who is a married mother, grandmother, and co-owner of Star Tires Plus Wheels in Allingtown, has grown her involvement in West Haven politics over the last six years.

Putting aside her business interests, Weinstein has “regularly participated in City Council and local board meetings to demonstrate her investment in West Haven as both a businesswoman and resident,” according to a news release from her campaign.

“We are all stakeholders in this city,” Weinstein said in her address Tuesday. “Whether you are a lifelong resident, or have just joined our community, each one of us has invested something meaningful in West Haven. Unfortunately, decades of corruption and recycled politicians have neglected our stakeholders and devalued our personal investments.

“In my first 100 days as Mayor I will hire a full-time Economic Developer, appoint dedicated grant writers to secure funding for West Haven, and audit our town for wasteful spending so that we can tear off the ‘distressed municipality’ label, and become a competitive and prosperous shoreline community. I will not put our city’s needs on pause in times of need but step up to the challenge of putting West Haven back on track.

“I am the only candidate with no ties to former administrations or elected positions that can guarantee the fresh start West Haven deserves. My platform is simple: reestablish transparency in City Hall, open West Haven for new businesses and families, hold city employees accountable, and expand accessibility to city services. What sets me apart is my plan to address the forgotten backbone of our community being our seniors, youth and families, veterans, and small businesses.”

A three-way Republican primary election for mayor is expected in September. Barry Lee Cohen, who narrowly lost to Mayor Nancy Rossi in the 2021 election, and Steven R. Mullins have announced their intentions to primary for the Republican nomination.

State Rep. Dorinda Borer recently received the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement for mayor. Incumbent Councilman Victor Borras intends to primary for the Democratic nomination, according to the New Haven Register.

The full list of candidates endorsed by the Republican Town Committee is below:

Mayor: Paige Weinstein

City Clerk: Joseph Viola

Treasurer: Pat Bolleteri

Tax Collector: Justin Prat

Board of Education: Bob Guthrie, Pat Libero & Mike Southworth

Board of Assessments: Lori Jenson & Dave Riccio Jr.

Council At Large: Silvana Appicella & Meli Garthwait

District 1: Ryan Ford

District 2: Bonnie Posick

District 3: Nyrell Moore

District 4: Dominic Broccoli

District 5: Bob Wittkofske

District 6: Dominic Konareski

District 7: Open

District 8: David Riccio Sr.

District 9: Jeff Christman

District 10: Steve Johnstone