Press Release: Republicans Back Maturo for Mayor

Editor's Note: In July, Joe Maturo for mayor to John Finkle. Maturo, along with candidates for other offices, , and Finkle soon d. Maturo, former mayor of East Haven, is running against incumbent April Capone. This press release was submitted by Maturo's campaign.

Maturo for Mayor Co-Campaign manager Joe Zullo announced that at a recent meeting of the Executive Board Vacancy Committee of the East Haven Republican Party, a unanimous vote (with one abstention) awarded Joe Maturo Jr. the Republican endorsement for the office of ,ayor of East Haven in the upcoming November election.

The endorsement was up for grabs after the recent withdrawal from the race of Republican-endorsed John Finkle.

Maturo explained, “The Republican endorsement is a great boost in what I know is going to be a very competitive election. It is an honor to be back at the top of the ticket with the party that gave the people of East Haven ten straight balanced budgets and the one of the lowest tax rates in the town’s history.”

The endorsement came Sunday night at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the East Haven Republican Town Committee. The deal not only brings Joe Maturo to the top of the Republican ticket, but it brings several members of his independent underticket over. The result of the deal is a melded ticket.

Maturo continued, “Both groups of people worked very hard to make this happen. The success of the deal shows just how much our party is united in bringing change to Town Hall this November. People selflessly gave up seats for the betterment of the entire team and town.”

The endorsement leaves Maturo to face current Mayor April Capone in a rematch of the 2007 election which was decided by just 28 votes. In 2009, Capone defeated John Finkle by 684 votes, fueled largely by a near-300 vote victory in the Momauguin district. Despite only losing by 28 votes in 2007, Maturo suffered a similar lop-sided result in that same district in 2007.

Maturo sees things going differently in general and in the Momauguin District this time around. He explained, “We have a wonderful slate of candidates across town and especially in District 2. Current Councilman Vincent Arpino actually left the Democratic Party to run on our ticket. The move was a sign that the Mayor’s own council people have lost faith in her policies and her ability to lead.”

While the major endorsement deal has been reached, the Executive Board still has one last vacancy to fill. Recently, Ken McKay, the endorsed candidate for town clerk, indicated that he will be withdrawing for personal reasons. His withdrawal leaves a vacancy in the number two position on the slate. That vacancy, though, is expected to be filled with ease.

Party Chairman Louis Crisci explained, “A couple of people have indicated an interest in the seat. The party would be lucky to have either of them in that spot on the ballot. By tonight, we will have our slate finalized.”

Maturo, excited about moving forward, concluded, "Although East Haven is still coping and dealing with the effects of Hurricane Irene, we must also begin to turn our attention to the upcoming election. My thoughts continue to be with our residents who lost so much. However, since 2007, East Haven’s residents have seen three deficits totaling $5.1 million dollars, unprecedented borrowing, and a 17% tax increase. The people expected change in 2007 and I expect many don’t have much change in their pockets due to the policies of the current administration. My team will put East Haven back on solid ground and bring responsible, stable government back to East Haven.”