East Haven Town Clerk, Councilwoman Quit Dems to Join GOP

The following is a press release from the East Haven Republican Town Committee.

East Haven Republican Town Chairman Carl Ruggiero announced today that two Democrats, both of whom were winners in the municipal election earlier this week, have filed paperwork to switch political parties and will be seated as Republicans on Inauguration Day in just over a week.

Ruggiero explained, “The Republican Party is proud to welcome Stacy Gravino-Piccirillo and Beverly Gravino to our party. The Gravino family, for well over 50 years, has been known for its civic, political, and charitable involvement in Town and we are thrilled that they have decided to share their family’s legacy of leadership with our organization.”

Stacy-Gravino Piccirillo was elected Town Clerk in 2009 on the Democratic Party ticket, garnering over 4,000 votes in her first run for the position.  

In 2011, despite the loss by Mayor April Capone at the top of the ticket, she was re-elected to a second term.  

This past Tuesday, she overcame a 551-vote loss by Jack Stacey at the top of the ticket and staved off an impressive run by political newcomer Michael Speer, winning re-election by 105 votes.

Beverly Gravino was elected in 2011 as District 2 Councilwoman and succeeded in earning re-election this past Tuesday as well.

Ruggiero continued, “Politically speaking, both Beverly and Stacy are fighters and proven winners.  They’ve both succeeded even when the tops of their tickets haven’t. They’re dedicated leaders and I know they will work hard, in both their official and political capacities, to promote the best interests of the Town of East Haven.”

For the Democratic Party, the loss of both Stacy Gravino-Piccirillo and Beverly Gravino comes on the heels of a 551-vote loss by Democratic challenger Jack Stacey on Tuesday and the announcement on Wednesday by Democratic Party chairman Gene Ruocco that he will not seek re-election as party chairman in March of 2014.  

The loss of both women also leaves the Democratic Party with two difficult spots to fill on future ballots, as both women have been among the party’s highest vote-getters in recent years.

Ruggiero concluded, “The Republican organization here in East Haven is inclusive and focused on electing quality leaders to local, state, and national positions.  Our platform, rooted in fiscal responsibility and social tolerance, is one that voters can easily identify with.  We hope that Stacy and Beverly continue to thrive as local leaders within our party and we know they will help us continue to keep East Haven on the right track.