WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven voters will decide three charter questions and races for state and federal office Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. A voter guide Patch published Oct. 28 outlines the races, referendum questions and voting options.
Three Charter Questions Are on the Ballot
The first question asks whether the charter should give the mayor and the town and city clerk four-year terms, beginning with the 2027 municipal election. Mayor Dorinda Borer, now in her second two-year term, has said a longer mayoral term would help the city attract and retain top-tier talent.
The second question would replace the charter chapter on the Village Improvement Association with rules for a third-party nonprofit running the public library. The rules would cover the nonprofit's responsibilities, budget obligations and accountability to the city.
The third question would clarify the roles and powers of the mayor, the City Council, city departments, boards and commissions. It also includes other recommendations from the Charter Revision Commission and the council.
The Charter Revision Commission sent its final recommendations to the council in May, a May 20 city notice said, and the council holds public hearings before any referendum. The council approved the commission's final report on July 28, according to Patch and the city.
Candidates for State and Federal Office
For governor, Democrat Ned Lamont and running mate Susan Bysiewicz face Republican Ryan Fazio and Matt Corey. In the U.S. House race, Rosa L. DeLauro (D) faces Christopher Lancia (R) and Thomas Egan of the Independent Party.
Democrat James Maroney faces Republican Owen Weaver in the 14th District state Senate race, Patch's voter guide says. Gary Winfield, a Democrat, has no opponent in the 10th District. The 115th House District ballot includes Bill Heffernan, a Democrat; Victor Borras, a Republican; and Robert J. Barry of the Independent Party. Democrat Trenee McGee is unopposed in the 116th District.
Statewide, Stephanie Thomas (D) and Peter Lumaj (R) are running for secretary of the state, Erick Russell (D) and Fred Wilms (R) for treasurer, Sean Scanlon (D) and Jennifer S. Tooker (R) for comptroller, and William Tong (D) and John Bolton (R) for attorney general. Timothy Gunning is unopposed for judge of probate.