University News

University of New Haven to Host West Haven Mayoral Debate

The candidates for Mayor of West Haven will take part in a debate hosted by the University of New Haven's political science program on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at West Haven High School.

October 11, 2019

Political debate graphic

The University of New Haven's political science program will host a debate on Tuesday, October 29, that will feature the Democratic and Republican candidates running for Mayor of West Haven. The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the West Haven High School auditorium at 1 McDonough Plaza in West Haven.

"This is democracy in action." Professor Chris Haynes, Ph.D.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, a Democrat who was elected in 2017, and Michele Gregorio, a Republican and vice chair of the City's Board of Finance, will participate in the debate. The election will take place on Tuesday, November 5.

Chris Haynes, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and national security and coordinator of the political science program at the University of New Haven, will moderate the debate.

The program is being organized by the student-run Mayor's Advisory Commission, an initiative established by Dr. Haynes in 2015 that works closely with the Mayor's Office to enhance the relationship between the University and West Haven communities.

Nancy R. Rossi and Michele Gregorio
West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, left, and Michele Gregorio

"The University of New Haven and our political science program are proud to partner with West Haven High School to give the community the chance to pose questions and hear directly from our two mayoral candidates," said Haynes. "This is democracy in action."

The debate will be broadcasted live on the University of New Haven Mayor's Advisory Commission's Facebook page.