I have had the privilege of serving as mayor of our community for 12 of the last 16 years and I am proud of what I have accomplished in that time. Over 12 years, I have balanced 12 straight budgets. Between 1997 and 2007, I rebuilt our town's rainy day fund. Since resuming office in 2011, I have once again restored this vital fund to more than $1.3 million, after it had spiraled into a $5.9 million deficit. At the same time, I have lowered taxes for 70 percent of homes across town.

I have been a champion for our schools, having increased funding to education in almost every term in office. My team and I have also worked hard to make our community more business friendly. Over 12 years, we've brought anchors like Carmax, Home Depot, Chili's, Hobby Lobby, and ShopRite to town. In 2012, we passed incentive programs to help attract new businesses to town to supplement the hundreds of wonderful, small businesses we already have.

Perhaps most important, I've demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety. My team and I implemented 24/7 paramedic support. We've also invested heavily in our Police and Fire departments to ensure that they have the tools to protect our community. We've undertaken countless traffic and safety improvement projects, including repairing the blue emergency call boxes across town.

In the face of challenges like Superstorm Sandy and the historic winter storm, my team and I have shown that we can be counted on to lead effectively.

East Haven is safer and more prosperous because of the work my team and I have accomplished. I am asking for your readers' votes on Nov. 5 so that I can continue to work hard to keep East Haven on the right track.

Mayor Joe Maturo, Jr.East Haven

Incumbent Republican Joseph Maturo, Jr., is seeking re-election to the mayor's office.