Every two years, a new mayor is selected for the city of Milford. This year’s candidates are the current mayor, Mr. Tony Giannattasio, and former interim mayor Mr. Rich Smith. Both candidates have an intellectual stature of mind and years of experience at their disposal, along with their own individual visions for Milford. Smith is a part of the Democratic Party, while Giannattasio is a part of the Republican Party.
Smith, in addition to previously serving as the interim mayor, also serves as the Board of Police Commissioners Chairman. He also touts his executive experience at large companies such as MassMutual, Connecticut Mutual, PepsiCo, and AT&T.
Smith states, “My experience in the private sector has taught me to do more with less. We need to work effectively and creatively together.”
Before being elected mayor in 2023, Giannattasio was a 12-year minority leader and 16-year representative of the citywide first district on the Milford Board of Aldermen. Similarly to Smith, he has experience outside of politics as a 35-year business owner.
Both candidates want to emphasize local issues and provide strong leadership during times of resident discontent. Also, both candidates have plans for almost every issue facing voters, including the public school system, job creation, public safety, lowering taxes, and reducing homelessness.
One of the most contentious issues this upcoming year is taxes. Smith accuses Giannattasio of raising taxes on Milford citizens; however, Giannattasio believes that Milford is currently enduring a crucial transition period, and he is meeting with investors who see the value in Milford.
Giannattasio counters that as more businesses move into Milford, taxes will eventually go down, “Business momentum will take the burden away from taxpayers, but this change will not happen overnight. We can move the community forward through collaboration.”
One of Giannattasio’s most prevalent talking points is his emphasis on public safety. He touts his policies that prevent stolen cars, his prohibition on vape shops, and his action against illegal drug shops.
Giannattasio adds, “In my first six months, we were also able to criminalize street takeovers, establish policy to reduce crime, and implement the use of search and rescue drones.”
Re-election would mean continuing to advocate for public safety, along with implementing his ambitious vision for Milford, which includes mixed-use of the Connecticut Post Mall, a mini golf course at Eisenhower Park, and his focus on empowering businesses.
Similar to Giannattasio, Smith wants to empower local businesses, turn the mall into a mixed-use area, but also reduce the operational costs of government and use technology to bring in new sources of revenue to lower taxes.
Smith adds, “Milford is living in the 1970s in terms of technology. We need to wake up, we need new technology.”
Another contentious issue is the Milford Public Schools Long Range Facilities Plan, which advocates for a potential one high school city. Both Smith and Giannattasio have met with Superintendent Dr. Anna Cutaia to discuss this plan, and both candidates have their reservations. Each candidate has conceded that they need more information on the plan before making a final decision.
Finally, both candidates emphasize the importance of continuing to work with non-governmental organizations such as the Beth-El Center and Food2Kids to solve the impending homelessness crisis.
Voter registration can be done through either candidate’s website, on the official Milford Registrar and Voting Forms Website, or through the official CT Voting Portal Website.
Regardless of which candidate or party citizens support, voting is encouraged on November 4.
