Carfora Wins Reelection, Dems Sweep Town Council
Ballot line Row A was triumphant on Nov. 7 as East Haven voters resoundingly put their support behind incumbent Democratic Mayor Joseph Carfora for a third consecutive term as the town’s chief executive. In addition to Carfora’s reelection, voters filed all 15 Town Council seats with Democrats.
“I’m thrilled the residents of East Haven continue to show their faith in our team,” said Carfoa in a statement to voters.
Carfora touted his accomplishments over the course of his two previous terms as mayor and that his third term will continue with their “well-founded” plans through a shared “common goal of making East Haven an affordable and vibrant place to live.”
“While we’ve made considerable strides in our first two terms, we are eager to continue this journey of progress,” added Carfora.
Out of 6,048 votes cast by electors, Carfora received 3,391 votes, defeating challengers Republican Samantha Parlato and independent candidate Anthony Camposano. Parlato, who is an outgoing member of the Town Council, received a total of 1,962 votes, while Camposano received only 142 votes.
Parlato issued a concession statement following her defeat.
“I want to recognize my opponent for running a clean campaign and congratulate them on their victory. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my deep involvement in local meetings, committees, service organizations, and events to promote quality values in East Haven,” said Parlato.
Camposano also congratulated Carfora on his victory and wished him “luck in managing the issues that will arise over the next couple years.” He reminded the renewed Carfora administration not to lose sight of the critical issues facing East Haven residents, whom he encouraged to remain civically active.
“I’d like to see the town inform our residents on how the relocation of Tweed Airport will bring unnecessary destruction to East Haven and lower our quality of life,” said Camposano. “To East Haveners, change will not be convenient. Be cautious of complacency and the distraction of convenience. We must unite to fight for the health and safety of our community. Please remain vigilant and stay informed.”
Most of the incumbent members of the Town Council were reelected to their positions on the town legislative body, which will be made up entirely of Democratic members. In District 1, Democratic members Ashley Lesco and Beth Capotorto retain their positions with a respective 628 and 686 votes. Fellow Democratic candidate Ann Penington is one of the new members of the Town Council, replacing outgoing Kimberly Glassman.
In District 2, all its sitting Democratic members on the council, Karen Martin, Joseph Deko, and Joe Santino, will retain their seats. Deko received the most votes of all the district’s candidates, scoring 874 votes, followed by Martin at 813. Santino walked away with 804 votes.
Also retaining their seats include all incumbent Democratic representatives for District 3, including Lou Pacelli, Marianne Cesare, and Paul Thompson. Pacelli received the most votes at 707, Cesare received 587, and Thompson got 583.
In District 4, Democratic representatives Michael Ginnetti and Sue Stacey were reelected to their seats, receiving 609 and 593 votes, respectively. Democratic candidate Tina Hedley will replace Parlato on the Town Council and received 576 votes.
All incumbent Democratic representatives on the council for District 5 were reelected to their seats. They include Guy Bimonte Jr. with a total of 632 votes, Al Vollono with 621 votes, and Joseph Kikosicki with 596 votes.
Democratic Lisa Balter reclaimed her position as Town Clerk, defeating Republican challenger Stacy Gravino. Balter received 3,206 votes, whilst Gravino received 2,523 votes.
All incumbent members of the Board of Finance retained their positions on the board. Votes totals for Democratic members were tallied at Al Purzycki with 2,858, Rich Esposito with 3,210, Chris Perdo with 3,070, and Ronald DeSena at 2,916. Republican candidates Beth Purcell and Ralph Vitale won their seats back with 2,372 and 2,418 votes, respectively.
All nine incumbent members of the Board of Education retained their seats on the board. Michele DeLucia, Patricia DePalma, Erika Santiago, Thomas Hennessey, Jennifer DiLungo, Jack Stacey, Karyn Putney, Lynn Torello, and Marianne Johnson will sit again on the board.