New London — Republican mayoral candidate Bill Vogel said he “wants the main event to begin,” now that candidates for elections in November are solidified with the completion of the Democratic primary.

Vogel will face off against Michael Passero, a city firefighter, attorney and city councilor who defeated incumbent Democratic Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio for a spot on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Vogel is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy who retired as a captain in 1982 and went on to hold management positions at Northeast Utilities and Millstone.

He is the owner and chief developer for V-Tech Inc., an iPhone app and website design and development company.

He said Thursday he plans to concentrate on fiscal responsibility and the fact that he has a proven track record of recognizing and hiring strong talent for leadership positions.

Vogel expects a more cordial mayoral race in contrast to the jabs traded between Passero and Finizio over the past several months.

“It’s going to really be about New London,” Vogel said. “I don’t intend to malign Mike. I think he’s a good guy. I plan to contrast my background, experience and ideas with his. I will emphasize my leadership, management and financial experience I think would bode well for the people of New London.

Passero said he welcomes the challenge.

“I know him fairly well,” Passero said of Vogel. “He’s a very amicable guy. I’m looking forward to a spirited debate on the issues facing New London.”

Finizio, in a speech delivered after his defeat, said he would support Passero’s run for mayor.

“In whatever way I can continue to serve the city I will do so,” Finizio said Wednesday. “In whatever way I can help the Democratic party I will continue to do so.”

Democrats outnumber Republicans in the city, 7,091 to 1,309, according to numbers provided by the Democratic registrar of voters. There are also 6,073 unaffiliated voters and 157 in other parties, such as the Green Party.

Vogel said the city would be better off with a minority representation rule on the city council, where there is now one Republican, Martin Olsen.

Along with Olsen, Republicans city council candidates are: Dennis Downing, Katherine Goulart, Keith Robbins, Tim Ryan and Tom Wise.

Endorsed Republican city council candidate Nancy Cole has decided not to run, Vogel said.

The Democratic City Council candidates are: Anthony Nolan, Don Venditto, Michael Tranchida, Martha Marx, Efrain Dominguez, John Satti and Erica Richardson.

Nolan, Tranchida, Dominguez and Richardson are current council members.

For the Green Party, former Public Works Director Tim Hanser and Planning and Zoning Commission member Ronna Stuller will run for a seat on the seven-member City Council.

Former city councilors John Russell and Marie Friess-McSparren have petitioned their way onto the ballot for the Nov. 3 council election.

For the Board of Education, the Green Party has endorsed Mirna Martinez and Jason Morris.

Republicans have endorsed Jefferson Harris, Joe Geraci and cross-endorsed Mirna Martinez.

Democrats have endorsed Margaret Mary “Peg” Curtin, Rob Funk, Scott Garbini, Sylvia Potter, Aracelis Vazquez-Haye, Jason Catala and Zachary Leavy.

Finizio’s four-year term as the city’s first elected mayor in nearly a century ends in December.

Finizio said his attention will remain with some pending requests before the city council, including stalled funding requests for safety equipment for firefighters and police and snow plow and other winter-related equipment for the Public Works Department.

With the prediction of another harsh winter, Finizio said the winter items are crucial.

“I won’t be mayor at the time, but whoever the mayor is, they will need the equipment to get through this winter,” he said. “I hope the council will act on that request.”

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay