Press Release: 'Finkle Taps McKay as Running Mate -- Both Cite Audit Concerns'

On Thursday, John Finkle, Republican candidate for Mayor, announced his running mate for the position of Town Clerk in East Haven's November election - current town council member Ken McKay.

McKay, a lifetime resident and retired fireman, has served for the past 13 years on the town council.  While it had been reported recently that McKay was contemplating his own run for Mayor, McKay confirmed today that he has committed to teaming up with Finkle.  McKay explained, "It's Finkle and McKay... for a better way."

McKay announced, "I am excited that we have an opportunity to bring new, responsible leadership to East Haven.  I worked hand-in-hand with John Finkle for 10 years and I am confident that he has the business and practical experience to right the ship in East Haven."

In the 2009 election Finkle earned 4,120 of the 8,925 votes cast for Mayor - an impressive total for a first-time candidate.  In fact, data from the town clerk's office shows that in the last 50 years, only 6 elections were decided by a closer margin.   

Finkle explained, "Ken McKay's history of service to the town is impressive - both as a firefighter and town council member.   I'm thrilled to have him on my team."

Finkle continued, "And we need to get to work right away to fix East Haven - we've run three straight deficits.  We have fewer teachers, lower test scores, and higher taxes than we did when the current administration took office just three years ago. The taxpayers deserve better."

"We need to bring more businesses to East Haven and lessen the tax burden on residents, " said Finkle.  "We need to reduce overtime expenses across town and better use the resources we have.” 

Finkle's campaign manager, Joseph Zullo, explained, "The Mayor's campaign promise not to raise taxes last election was hollow.  Just months after re-election, she doubled back on that promise and proposed one of the highest tax increases in town history. East Haven residents should be skeptical if she makes the same promise in this election.   John Finkle will put people before politics and will bring honest, realistic government to East Haven."

Finkle explained, "My administration will do whatever it can to provide relief from the Capone tax increase.  Especially for our seniors on fixed incomes, that tax increase hit hard.  East Haven residents deserve honest, realistic government - and my administration will deliver that."

For additional information, please contact Joseph Zullo at 203-927-0871 or visit www.johnfinkleformayor.com.

Paid for by Finkle for Mayor 2011, Jim Farrell, Treasurer.  Approved by John Finkle.