JOHN LEWIS
My name is John Lewis. Presently, I serve West Haven as the City Clerk.
I am a licensed real estate professional. My wife Janel and I raised four children here in West Haven. My first act of serving my community was as a PTA president at Washington School. I was a City Councilman in the 3rd district. A former chief of staff for the city of West Haven. I served on Zoning Board of Appeals. I am currently serving my city on West Haven Community House Executive Board and I am also serving as Moderator for the First Congregational Church of West Haven on the town green. A fun fact for me is to be fortunate enough to coach many West Haven youth sports teams, from football West Haven Seahawks, soccer, baseball, and basketball. I’ve been able to meet and interact with some of the best families in West Haven, and if elected I will look forward to continuing to serve.


CITY CLERK
ROSEMARY RUSSO
TREASURER
Rosemary Russo has been a proud resident of West Haven for 39 years, where she and her husband raised their two children, Paul-Michael (34) and James (27).
Recently retired from the New Haven Board of Education, Rosemary brings with her 45 years of teaching experience, reflecting a lifelong dedication to education and youth. She has been actively involved in the community as a member of both the Molloy School and Bailey Middle School PTAs, serving as President of the Molloy School PTA.
Rosemary’s civic service extends into local government, where she has served as a Democratic Town Committee Member and Secretary, as well as a former member and Chairwoman of the West Haven Board of Education.
She is also a proud member in good standing of the West Haven Elks. With her deep roots in the community and decades of leadership, Rosemary has consistently shown her passion for West Haven and its continued growth.


ERICK MURILLO
TAX COLLECTOR
Eric Presently serves as the Tax Collector
Eric Murillo is a long-time resident of West Haven. With his wife, He has raised, four daughters Amanda, Jennifer, Cassandra, and Gabby. Eric has owned and operated Accudent Dental Laboratory, Inc. for over 30 years.
In his free time, he likes to spend time with his grandkids Lennon Grace, Logan Marie, Camila Inez, Vincenzo Michael and his grand pup Bravo.
Eric enjoys staying busy whether that’s working on a home project or hosting a family gathering.
Eric is looking forward to continue to be involved in the community that has done so much for his family.


ERICK MURILLO
CITY COUNCIL AT- LARGE
Sean has been married to his wife, Debra, for 36 years, and together they have raised three grown children. They built their family life in West Haven, where their children proudly represent the fifth generation to live in the family home.
A retired Bridgeport Police Detective, Sean also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Charter Oak State College. Before his law enforcement career, he served his country in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne and the 8th Infantry Division, completing tours overseas in Germany and Kuwait.
Sean is a strong advocate for education, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. He remains open to new ideas and welcomes any questions from members of his community.


PETE RIVERA
CITY COUNCIL AT- LARGE
Pete Rivera is a proven leader with deep West Haven roots. As a Board Member of Westies Care, he has worked to support families and strengthen the community. With decades of experience as a global IT executive and extensive service with state and federal agencies—including the VA, DOE, USDA, DOD, and NSA—Pete brings the skills, vision, and integrity needed to deliver transparency, efficiency, and meaningful progress for West Haven.
Pete Rivera is a lifelong leader dedicated to building a stronger West Haven. As a Board Member of Westies Care, he has helped support local families and community programs. With decades of experience as a global IT executive and service alongside agencies like the VA, DOE, USDA, and DOD, Pete knows how to solve complex problems and get results. He is committed to bringing transparency, accountability, and positive change to West Haven’s future.


Patrick Egolum
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Patrick is a long-time West Haven resident. He is a financial advisor with Independence Financial Partners.
Patrick is currently serving as a member of the Board of Education
and is the Vice Chairman of the Board. He is a past board member of the West Haven
Community House and the International Red Cross.
Patrick is a proud father of three graduates of West Haven school system of which, two of them were spelling bee champions.
He hopes to continue serving as a member of the Board of Education to continue helping the next generation of Westies be as successful as possible.


KIM KENNY
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kim Kenny is proud to be running for her second term on the West Haven Board of Education. Over the past four years, she has served on the Athletics and Curriculum Committees and led as Chair of the Early Childhood Committee. In addition to her Board work, Kim is the Outreach and Grants Coordinator for a local mental health agency, where she advocates daily for children and families.
A longtime PTA leader, Kim served as president of both the Seth Haley PTA and the West Haven PTA Council and worked alongside Mayor Dorinda Borer to bring three ADA-compliant playgrounds to West Haven. As the mother of two daughters, Paige and Jocelyn, who attend West Haven schools, Kim brings a strong parent perspective and remains active in the school community. She looks forward to continuing her service and advocating for the success of every student in West Haven.


JEFREY MERENO
BOARD OF EDUCATION
I was born and raised in New Haven, by my mother Wanda Moreno and stepfather, Domingo Jimenez Jr.
I graduated in 1998 from New Haven’s High School in the Community, where I served as student government and class president.
My mother is a longtime special education teacher and consultant for New Haven Public Schools. My stepfather worked at Marlin Firearms in North Haven for three decades and is now retired.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Southern ConnecticutState University in 2003 and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Albertus Magnus College in 2008.
I’ve lived in West Haven since 2017 and is a proud member of the Allington community.


Joe Harvey
Board of Tax Appeals
Joe presently serves as a member of the Board of Tax Appeals.
I have been a volunteer firefighter for 34 years and a lifetime resident of West Haven. I have worked at CTDOT for 35 years as a heavy equipment operator. I am very involved in my community, whether it be close to home or across the city, and keep the interests of the residents of West Haven at the forefront of my goals. I am proud to live in West Haven, and every day I do my best to make sure we live in a safe, vibrant, and welcoming city.


Board of Tax Appeals
I am not a lifelong West Haven resident, but I have been here long enough to know how great this city is and to see its potential. That is why I choose to get involved and be part of Dorinda’s team.
I have spent 20-plus years in a senior leadership role in the banking industry. Much of my success has come from driving change and developing and enforcing sound policies. Applying these same disciplines, along with my experience in the mortgage industry, makes me a qualified candidate for the position of Board of Appeals.disciplines, along with my experience in the Mortgage Industry, makes me a qualified candidate


ANNE HEFFERNAN
1st District
I am a lifelong resident of West Haven and love my town. It would be an honor to represent my friends & neighbors on the city council. I have a BA and MA from the University of Connecticut and received my RN from BHS1C.
I am currently working as an RN at Bridgeport Hospital. I have West Haven City Council Member – First District Served on the BOE from 2001-2005 & 2019-2023. Previous president of Bradley Point Garden Club. Previous president of Our Lady of Victory Social Group I am the current treasurer of the CT chapter of NAHN (National Association of Hispanic Nurses).
I am a team player dedicated to the betterment of our City and the First District.


NANCY TAGLIATELLA
2nd District
My name is Nancy Tagliatela, and I am running for City Council for the 2nd District. I would be honored to have your support!
I am a lifelong Westie, married to Lou Tagliatela, who is also a lifelong Westie. As a supporter and Advocate for West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness, I was part of "Kellys Cuties" who participated in the"WH Icy Plunge for a Cure". Over the past 10 years, we have raised over $40,000.
I am passionate about our wonderful City and know I would be an asset to Mayor Borer & her fantastic team. Working as Assistant to the Human Resources Director for the West Haven Board of Education has brought me closer to the City and understanding its needs. West Haven is moving in the right direction, and I would love to help continue making
West Haven come ALIVE again.


Sarah Ackbarali
3rd District
Sarah J. Ackbarali is a lifelong resident of West Haven’s Third District, where she lives with her husband, Officer Ian Ackbarali, and their three children. A proud graduate of the University of New Haven with an MBA in Business Policy and Strategic Leadership, she also serves as Chief Marketing Officer for her family’s company, The Modern Apostle™ LLC.
Deeply rooted in faith and service, Sarah is a lifelong parishioner of St. John XXIII Parish and has served as an RCIA instructor and Eucharistic Minister. Since 2021, she has proudly served as Third District City Councilwoman, including as Chair of the Finance Committee, ensuring responsible oversight of the city’s budget.
Nominated to run for a third term, Sarah remains committed to serving West Haven with integrity, transparency, and pride, while continuing to advocate for the residents of the Third District.


Gary Donovan
4th District
My name is Gary Donovan. I am running for the City Council seat for District 4. I have always been involved with giving back to the community. Coaching kids in sports for over 30 years, including being President of Little League, has enriched my experience. I have been involved with many cleanup projects around our city, including the shoreline restoration project that is still ongoing. I have retired from Metro-North Commuter Railroad after 37 years of service. I believe in Row A and what Dorinda, and her Team have accomplished. West Haven has always been, and will continue to be, one of my top priorities, and I will do everything in my power to push it forward.


Edward McMillian
5th District
Edward “Mackie” McMillian is a lifelong resident of West Haven and proudly represents the Fifth District on the City Council. A product of the West Haven school system, Mackie attended the Old Noble School, Savin Rock Community School, Gianotti, Carrigan, and West Haven High School. He has been an active member of the Democratic Town Committee since 2016, where he also serves as Chair of the 5th District. Professionally, Mackie has worked for 22 years in management for the New Haven Board of Education Food Service Department, helping oversee the daily service of more than 15,000 meals. Dedicated to his community, Mackie is eager to continue fighting for the Fifth District and all residents of West Haven, and he takes great pride in working to make the city the best it can be.


Dawn Callahan
6th District
As a lifelong resident of West Haven, I am proud to represent the Sixth District on the West Haven City Council. Deeply involved in the community, I am a member of the West Haven Rotary Club and the West Haven Fireworks Committee, and I actively participate in local fundraisers and events. Among my proudest contributions was helping to build “Charlotte’s Playground” in honor of the children of Newtown, along with organizing many drives to support students in our school system.
A fun fact about me is that I have been a professional ice skater for most of my life, competing at the national level. My skating journey began right here in West Haven—at Parks & Rec, on self-built ponds, and later at the high school level—before going on to compete for many years. Today, I share my passion as a coach in figure skating, hockey, and learn-to-skate programs, helping others not only achieve success on the ice but also gain the confidence to thrive in all areas of life.
By profession, I am a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer, working with families across our community to achieve their homeownership dreams. With pride in my city and its people, I look forward to continuing to serve our community and to building a stronger, brighter future for all West Haven residents.
Katherine Tucker
7th District


Katherine “Kathy” Tucker currently serves as the 7th District City Councilwoman and is proud to continue supporting the City of West Haven in this role. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Kathy is deeply committed to keeping the community healthy by advocating for a safe environment in which families can thrive. She has been active in improving the city’s public health landscape through her service on the West Haven Board of Health, where she helped bring about positive changes, and as a former Allingtown Fire Commissioner. With the best interests of both the 7th District and the entire city at heart, Kathy remains dedicated to moving West Haven forward and supporting initiatives that strengthen the community for all residents.
Chris Vargo
8th District


For the past 20 years, I have worked as a paralegal with a focus on complex litigation, bankruptcy, and family law. Originally from Norwalk, I have been a proud West Haven resident for 16 years. During this time, I have been actively involved in the community as a Den Leader with Cub Scout Pack 258 (Congregational Church), a coach with the West Haven Youth Soccer League—currently coaching the U14 boys competitive team—and as a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church on the Green, where I have served as a trustee for the past eight years, including seven as chairperson. I have also been a member of the Church’s Apple Festival Committee for the past four years. Most recently, I was reappointed to a second term on the West Haven Board of Ethics and have served as chairperson since May 2022. Under my leadership, the Board crafted a new, robust Code of Ethics—passed by the City Council—that demands honesty, transparency, and accountability from our elected and appointed officials. While I hold many titles, my favorites are husband of 15 years (together 22) to my wife Kirsten, and dad to my son Mikey. If elected, I will bring the same honesty, transparency, and integrity to the City Council that I have demonstrated in all my roles within the community, and I look forward to earning your trust and support.
Dave Beaton
9th District


Dave Beaton, a lifelong public servant, has dedicated 25 years as a firefighter for the Town of Hamden and also serves as an Admissions Counselor at Quinnipiac University. A graduate of the University of New Haven with degrees in Fire & Occupational Safety and Fire Science Administration, Dave has long been active in the West Haven community.
He is a 29-year member of the West Haven Lodge of Elks, where he has served as Past Exalted Ruler and Scholarship Chairman. Dave has also contributed as a former West Haven Little League coach and treasurer, as well as through memberships in the West Haven Irish American Club and the West Shore Fire Department.
Dave and his wife, Elizabeth, are proud parents of their two children, Michael David and Sydney Kate. With decades of service and leadership, Dave remains committed to strengthening West Haven and supporting its resident
Ronald Quagliani
10th District


Ronald M. Quagliani has been dedicated to public service and community leadership in West Haven for decades. Married to his wife, Tracey Lee, for 31 years, he is the proud father of three adult children—Nicholas, Olivia, and Ron Jr.—and grandfather of two.
With more than 25 years of municipal finance experience, Ron currently serves as Treasurer for the City of West Haven. He is a board member of USAlliance Financial Credit Union, Board President of the West Haven Community House, and a Finance Committee member at St. John XXIII Parish. He previously served as an At-Large City Councilman from 2015 to 2023, including as Chairman from 2017 to 2021.
Professionally, Ron is the Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Administrative Services at the University of New Haven and is the former Chief of Police for the West Haven Department of Police Services, where he served from 1984 to 2009. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he also holds a B.S. and two M.S. degrees from the University of New Haven in criminal justice, national security, and emergency management. With this experience, Ron remains committed to strengthening West Haven through integrity, accountability, and proven leadership.
Get in touch
Paid for by Friends of Dorinda 2025
© 2025 Dorinda Borer for Mayor
