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04/18/2019 12:00 AMSal Maltese has announced his intention to enter the race for the Republican nomination for mayor. This will be his third bid for the seat.
Maltese is the third to declare candidacy. So far, Maltese is joined in the race for the Republican nomination only by District 4 town councilman Steven “Big Steve” Tracey, who announced his campaign in March. District 3 town councilman Joe Carfora, who announced on April 10, is the only Democrat on the field. Republican Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., who earlier said he would announce his intention for the race in March, has yet to declare.
Maltese currently owns and operates South Shore Laundry in town. He is a former director of credit services for a large paper mill. He is also a former member of the town Board of Finance.
“What I bring to the town of East Haven is a complete financial background and leadership,” Maltese said.
He said that his years in a supervisory role is what makes him a good candidate for the position.
“I’m very big with staff meetings, having a once a week or once every two weeks, to know what my department heads are doing or not doing…I supervised for so many years,” Maltese said.
He last ran in 2017 as a Democrat. He announced his third run on April 17.
One of Maltese’s primary concerns is the town’s infrastructure. In particular, he said that he wants to improve the roads.
“We need new equipment in our public works. [We need] to maximize the town’s infrastructure, roads, beaches, equipment, and buildings,” Maltese said. “You just can’t run the town with old equipment.”
Maltese said he would be a “hands-on” mayor and could focus on problems at the Board of Education.
“The town as we know it right now has numerous problems, especially with our Board of Education,” he said. “Knowing what I know about education and budgeting, I could really help them…. could be very hands-on with them.”
Maltese said that infrastructure, education, and improving public safety would be his three priorities as mayor.
“I think we have to move forward and I think I’m the one to lead us forward,” Maltese said. “It takes a full team and cooperation to do what a mayor wants to do. I’m that person.”
“This race is going to be an exciting race for mayor,” Tracey said. “I’m going to run on good ideas, economic development, holding the line on tax increases, and making sure we’re giving the children our full attention.”
Carfora is similarly optimistic.
“I’m going to push forward with what I believe in and try to do my best for the town,” Carfora said. “I know what the town needs. The town needs change.”
Reached for comment on Maltese’s candidacy, Maturo explained why he has not announced if he’ll make a bid for a 10th term as mayor.
“There’s no reason, prior to the Town Council approving the budget, for me to make an announcement,” Maturo said. “People know me.
“If I get into the race and win, it’ll be my third time running against Sal [Maltese],” Maturo said. “I guess he’s looking for another shot.”
Republican Town Committee Chairman Bob Parente said that his party hopes to make its nomination in June or July.