Press Release: Finkle Withdraws From Mayor's Race

John Finkle, the endorsed Republican candidate for Mayor, announced today his intention to withdraw his candidacy.

"East Haven has a lot of issues that need to be dealt with. Our finances are in bad shape, our educational system is on a three-year decline, and our commercial tax base is continuing to decline," Finkle said. "East Haven can't handle another 16 percent tax increase."

Finkle had a message for supporters. He continued, "I want to thank everyone for all their support. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to be associated with."

Finkle's withdrawal leaves former Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. to face incumbent April Capone in the Nov. 8 election. Maturo, who intended to pursue an independent run for Mayor, is now in a position to obtain the
endorsement of the East Haven Republican party.

Republican Town Chairman Louis Crisci explained, "The party's rules are clear that any vacancies on the Republican ticket that are caused when a candidate withdraws are to be filled by the Executive Board of the East Haven Republican Town Committee."

When that committee meets, it is believed that it will endorse Joe Maturo for the position of Mayor on the Republican ticket. It is also believed that between four and seven members of the endorsed Republican party under-ticket plan to resign to make room for members of Joe Maturo's independent under-ticket. The result would be a unification of both tickets.

Maturo for Mayor Campaign Chairman Paul Carbo explained, "The goal this November is simple. We need to restore responsible government back to Town Hall. Joe Maturo's team has been working with the Republican party to produce one unified ticket so that we can give the people of East Haven the type of government they deserve."

The combination of the Republican and Independent teams, if accomplished, will result in a single Republican ticket composed of people of all party backgrounds and walks of life.

"It's tough because both tickets, in and of themselves, are jam-packed with qualified, dedicated candidates," Carbo said. "No matter who ends up on the final ticket, it is clear that the people of East Haven are going to see a top-notch Republican ticket."

Republican Town Chairman Louis Crisci agreed. "It is important that the people of East Haven know that the Republican Party is working hard for them," he said. "We must reverse the course this town has taken since the current Mayor took office. This compromise is the first step in that process."

Joseph Maturo, candidate for Mayor, said, "John Finkle's selfless act opens the door to bringing much needed change to East Haven. I worked hard for 10 years to keep taxes low and make East Haven the shining star of the shoreline. In three short years, the current Mayor has raised taxes 16 percent and run three straight deficits."

Maturo continued, “I, along with the support of my under-ticket, will accept the endorsement of the Republican Party, with a combined ticket from all parties because we need to return East Haven’s government to the people and return fiscal stability to our community. When elected, we will give the people of East Haven a government they can once
again be proud of."