The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Carfora takes oath as town’s mayor
EAST HAVEN — Mayor Joe Carfora and the new Town Council, Board of Education and Board of Finance took their oaths of office Saturday, with Carfora pledging to do his best to keep taxes stable and at the same time bring “constructive change.”
“East Haven is our special place — a place that we all love. But there is work to do,” said Carfora, 57, a Democrat who took over for 18year Republican Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. Maturo, who served a total of nine terms from 19972007 and 20112019, did not seek another term.
“From the beach area to Foxon, there are projects that need our attention — and we will attend to each in a thoughtful, transparent manner,” Carfora, told more than 200 people in the East Haven High School auditorium. Carfora defeated Republican “Big Steve” Tracey and independent Bonifacio “Oni” Sioson Jr. on Nov. 5.
“We must (take) — and rest assured we are taking — a deep look at all levels of town finances to be sure that they are sound,” he said after being introduced by Democratic Town Chairman James Albis.
That’s “because we are committed to moving forward in a fiscally conservative manner,” Carfora said. “It is the only way to proceed to ensure that East Haven is a preferred, attractive and affordable place to live.
“You have heard me say numerous times throughout this campaign that while Connecticut is a beautiful place to live, it can at times carry burdens to some of us that make it a tough place to raise a family or run a small business,” he said. “We have to govern with the understanding that people have a tough time making ends meet.
“I intend to do that,” Carfora said.
Carfora, who was a star on the East Haven High School 1980 state champion basketball team, thanked his father, Al Sr., who was sitting in a wheelchair in the front row; his late mother, Gloria, and the late Frank “Coach” Crisafi for their support and guidance over the years.
He congratulated all the office holders being sworn in, saying “We have now been tasked with leading East Haven, and honor that we must cherish and respect every day. After all, we are now the gatekeepers for this community and it’s hardworking residents.”
Carfora was sworn in by new Town Attorney Michael Luzzi, a friend of 45 years
who is the son Democratic former Mayor Hank Luzzi. Carfora’s fiance, Rosemarie Deieso, held the bible with Carfora’s his two children, Kelli, 24, and Joe Jr., 29 standing nearby.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, DConn., administered the oath of office to the Board of Education and the Board of Finance, while Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz administered the oath of office to the Town Council and Town Clerk Stacy Gravino.
Tracey and former mayors Luzzi and April Capone were among those who attended.
“I’m so proud and excited to be here,” said Blumenthal, calling it “a new beginning” for East Haven, which he said is “moving in the right direction ... Here in East Haven,” unlike in Washington, “you know how to come together for the greater good of the community.”
Bysiewicz, who also gave the keynote address, called it “a great honor to be here with you today,” and thanked those being swornin “for their willingness to make this community better.”
She also thanked their spouses and family members “for your sacrifices.”
In addition to Gravino, the others who were sworn in included:
Board of Education: Michele DeLucia, Patricia “Tia” DePalma, Jennifer DiLungo, Elizabeth Esposito, Lisa GeraciAnastasio, Thomas Hennessey, Maryann “Mindy” Pellegrino, Erika SantinoSantiago and John “Jack” Stacey Jr.
Board of Finance: Noreen Clough, Richard DePalma, Richard Esposito, Beth Purcell, Alfred Purzycki and Ralph J. Vitale.
Town Council: District 1: Beth Capotorto, Kimberly Glassman and Ashley Lesco.
District 2: Joseph Deko, Sal Maltese and Joseph Santino.
District 3: Josh Balter, Marianne Cesare and Louis G. Pacelli.
District 4: Linda Hennessey, Samantha Parlato and Robert Ranfone.
District 5: Henry Butler, Raymond D. Pompano and Jennifer Ruggiero.
Prior to administering the oaths of office, Jayla Santiago and Alexandra and Ashley Lesco led the Pledge of Allegiance, the Rev. Jeremiah Murasso of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Church gave the invocation and the national champion East Haven High School Coop Marching Band performed the national anthem.
Council member Louis Pacelli, D3, gave the benediction and Charlotte DeLuccia, daughter of school board Chairwoman Michele DeLucia, sang “Proud to be an American” to close out the event.