Stacey First to Throw Hat in 2013 East Haven Mayoral Race Ring (VIDEO)

Although most of the political focus over the next few months will be on races at the national and state level, East Haven's local election campaigns for 2013 are off to an early start.

announced Monday they had two party members who had formed exploratory committees in consideration of a run to become the next Mayor of East Haven.

Stacey Throws Hat in Mayoral Run Ring

At Monday night's East Haven Democratic Town Committee meeting, — a longtime East Haven resident and current member of the Civil Service Commission — officially announced his intention to seek the party's nomination to run for mayor in next year's municipal elections.

Stacey, a Vietnam Veteran who also sits on the East Haven Veterans Council and Memorial Day Parade Committee, said he made the decision after "extensive talks with my immediate family and with many of you in the room."

"I am here this evening to make public what many of you already know or perhaps have heard rumors about," he said in the opening remarks of his speech before he committee (see video).

"We're about to embark on a journey that will will bring us to that goal, and there are some who are traveling a different path, a different road. I pledge to you tonight that I will take the high road," Stacey, an history teacher at the High School in the Community in New Haven, said. "This journey we are embarking on is open to everyone, regardless of your political persuasion."

Stacey announced the leaders of his campaign team at Tuesday's meeting. He named as campaign coordinator and Noreen Clough as campaign treasurer.

The full text of Stacey's prepared remarks, as well as his resume, are attached to this article.

DePalma Also Considers Mayoral Run

In addition to Stacey, DTC Chairman announced that fellow committee member and East Haven Town Council member has also formed an exploratory committee to possibly seek the party's nomination for mayor on the 2013 municipal election ballot.

DePalma, a lifelong resident and East Haven Police officer for more than two decades, declined to address committee members following Stacey's speech tonight, saying he would make an announcement at a later time.

Following the meeting, DePalma confirmed for East Haven Patch that he is considering a run for mayor next year and has indeed formed an exploratory committee.

Maturo Undecided About Re-election

Current , a Republican, reportedly has not yet made a decision on running for another term in 2013.

Maturo told the New Haven Register's Jennifer Swift last night that at this time he was undecided about seeking re-election.

When asked about both Stacey and DePalma's interest in serving as the town's next mayor, Maturo told Swift: "the more the merrier."

(Editor's Note: This article was updated with additional reporting and video on Tuesday at 5:45 a.m.)
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