John M. Picard
Encyclopedia
John M. Picard is the tenth Mayor
of the City of West Haven
, Connecticut
.
when Mayor H. Richard Borer, Jr. chose to retire from office after he lost the general election to Picard. Borer, a Democrat
, was elected mayor in 1991. Picard challenged him in the 2003 Democratic primary
but lost.
Choosing not to endure another primary, Borer formed his own political party called A Better Future Party in 2005. A Better Future Party ran a full slate of candidates in the 2005 General Election. Although the party took the minority positions on the City Council and Board of Education, Borer lost to Picard by 73 votes. In 2007, Mayor Picard was re-elected after being challenged by A Better Future candidate Dorinda Borer, wife of former Mayor H. Richard Borer, Jr.
At the Democratic Party nominating convention, Picard shocked the crowd after he announced that he would not run for re-election. Within days he changed his mind and accepted the nomination of the party. He defeated the A Better Future Party candidate, City Councilwoman Nancy Rossi and Republican
Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven Mullins
. Rossi ran on the Better Future ticket for mayor and the Democratic ticket for her council seat that she was re-elected to. Mullins still serves as Commissioner of Planning & Zoning in West Haven.
Picard's administration has focused on economic development and tax relief in West Haven.
Picard is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and the University of New Haven
, both in West Haven. Prior to becoming mayor, he served as Chairman of the West Haven Water Pollution Control Commission. In 1997 he was elected to the West Haven City Council. He was re-elected to the Council in 1999 and 2001. In 2001 the City Council elected Picard Chairman of the City Council.
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of the City of West Haven
West Haven, Connecticut
West Haven is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 52,721.-History:...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
.
Political life
Picard was elected in 2005, succeeding Mayor Joseph Cullen who had served as mayor for a period of only two weeks. Cullen was Chairman of the West Haven City CouncilCity council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
when Mayor H. Richard Borer, Jr. chose to retire from office after he lost the general election to Picard. Borer, a Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
, was elected mayor in 1991. Picard challenged him in the 2003 Democratic primary
Primary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
but lost.
Choosing not to endure another primary, Borer formed his own political party called A Better Future Party in 2005. A Better Future Party ran a full slate of candidates in the 2005 General Election. Although the party took the minority positions on the City Council and Board of Education, Borer lost to Picard by 73 votes. In 2007, Mayor Picard was re-elected after being challenged by A Better Future candidate Dorinda Borer, wife of former Mayor H. Richard Borer, Jr.
At the Democratic Party nominating convention, Picard shocked the crowd after he announced that he would not run for re-election. Within days he changed his mind and accepted the nomination of the party. He defeated the A Better Future Party candidate, City Councilwoman Nancy Rossi and Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven Mullins
Steven Mullins
Steven R. Mullins is a Connecticut politician from West Haven. On July 26, 2011, he accepted the Republican nomination for Mayor of West Haven. He faces three term incumbent Democrat mayor John M. Picard. This is the second time Mullins has challenged Picard...
. Rossi ran on the Better Future ticket for mayor and the Democratic ticket for her council seat that she was re-elected to. Mullins still serves as Commissioner of Planning & Zoning in West Haven.
Picard's administration has focused on economic development and tax relief in West Haven.
Picard is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and the University of New Haven
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven is a private university that combines a liberal arts education with professional training. The university comprises five colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Tagliatela College of Engineering, the Henry C...
, both in West Haven. Prior to becoming mayor, he served as Chairman of the West Haven Water Pollution Control Commission. In 1997 he was elected to the West Haven City Council. He was re-elected to the Council in 1999 and 2001. In 2001 the City Council elected Picard Chairman of the City Council.