West Haven voters elect 2 of 3 fire commissioners

05/14/2007

Elizabeth Benton , Register Staff

WEST HAVEN — Two incumbents vying for their second terms as fire commissioners got mixed results over the weekend, with Joseph P. Callahan Jr. winning re-election, while Mary "Tina" Peckingham was defeated by newcomer John Biancur. In the West Shore Fire District, about 2,000 residents cast votes, according to Fire Commission Chairman Robert Pimer. He did not have the specific vote tally Sunday, but confirmed that Biancur defeated Peckingham.

"People came out in droves," said Biancur, adding that there was record-setting turnout at Saturday’s election. He attributed it to residents’ dissatisfaction with the previous leadership.

"Our tax rate’s too high," he said. "That was the main issue. People didn’t appreciate the fact that they weren’t being listened to. People were just fed up."

Peckingham said that some voters overlooked her accomplishments as commissioner, and that the election became overly politicized instead of focusing on the issues.

"I did a lot for the district," she said. "This was not a fire election."

In the Center District, Fire Chief William L. Abbott did not have a specific vote tally Sunday but confirmed that Callahan defeated challenger Michael T. Erickson. Callahan did not return calls seeking comment, and Erickson could not be reached.

Voters in the West Shore and Center districts cast their ballots Saturday at Seth G. Haley School and Surfside, respectively.

At Seth G. Haley School, voting lines were long soon after the polls opened at noon. Lifelong city resident Denise Carr said she’d never seen a turnout so strong for a fire district vote.

"I think the city of West Haven is frustrated with the high tax burden," she said.

Lengthy lines did not deter Elliott Glassman from casting his ballot for Biancur.

"A lot of people want a change," he said. "They’re sick and tired of the budget and the taxes. This time, everybody woke up."

While some voters voiced concern about rising local taxes, others asserted it was unfair to blame the fire department.

"I can’t understand, people seem to be trying to lay the blame on the fire department," said one city fireman’s father, who would not give his name but said he voted for Peckingham. "How can they lay the blame on the firemen alone?"

At Surfside, resident Frances Errico said she voted for incumbent Callahan, and said she hopes the city is able to maintain its three fire districts.

"I don’t want to see them lose a truck, or somebody laid off," she said. "They’ve saved my life more than once." Allingtown had been slated to hold an election as well, but Curtis O. Jordan withdrew his candidacy Thursday against current commission Chairman Louis P. Esposito Jr.

Winning candidates will each begin serving a three-year term July 1.

Center district residents are scheduled to vote again at 7 p.m. Tuesday at West Haven High School on an amended fire budget.

Elizabeth Benton can be reached at 789-5714 or at ebenton@nhregister.com. Staff writer Cara Baruzzi contributed to this story.