New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Rossi deserves another term
Mayor Nancy Rossi deserves another term as mayor. The mayor has made major accomplishments in a short 21 months.
The financial condition of the city was and continues to be the top priority for Mayor Rossi and her administration. As a result the city has had two balanced budgets, a fund balance (rainy day fund) for the first time in 14 years and our bond rating outlook was upgraded from negative to stable. This is the first step to getting an overall bond rating upgrade. Just the outlook upgrade will save taxpayer money on future borrowing costs.
Economic development projects are moving forward and small businesses are opening and expanding throughout the city. “The Havens” was stalled and needed both federal approval (Bayview Park) and state approvals (grant funding and transportation), all of which have now been received. The Parkview development in Allingtown was stalled because of an infrastructure (sewer pipe) issue, Mayor Rossi obtained a $1.5 million state grant to replace the pipes so the project could continue and is now making excellent progress. The Yale New Haven Regional Operations Center was awaiting approvals and permits. The project was pushed through the permit process and the building is complete and will open soon. Many investors and developers were sitting on the sideline to see if West Haven could turn its financial situation around — and now that we have shown good progress, we have gained their confidence and they are now at the table to discuss projects. The grand list grew by $30 million in 2018, and future increases look promising.
The West Haven High School (phase one) opened last week, which was on schedule and below the authorized budget. The construction schedule and construction costs have been closely monitored. A state grant will provide our students with computers. The investment in our school facilities and upgrading student resources will help attract commercial investors and positively affect our community.
Our city parks and beaches have been well maintained and continue to be enjoyed by our residents, and visitors alike. After the city pays off the Savin Rock Festival’s past cumulative debt, the mayor will appoint a board to bring back the event again in 2020 to celebrate our city’s valued history. The Savin Rock Festival will be just as much fun, but it will pay for itself using corporate sponsorships and the charging of fees to vendors.
West Haven is on the right path and I am asking our Democratic voters to support Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and all the endorsed Democratic candidates on Row A on Sept. 10 to keep West Haven moving forward. Row A all the way!