Longtime CT state legislator running for mayor in city known for political and financial controversy

State Rep. Dorinda Borer is running for an open seat to become the next mayor of her hometown of West Haven — a city that has been rocked by political and financial controversy.

Borer, a 59-year-old Democrat who has served in the state legislature since 2017, is running for the seat currently held by Democrat Nancy Rossi, who is not seeking reelection.

Rossi has been under sharp scrutiny for nearly two years as the city was thrown into political turmoil with the arrest of state Rep. Michael DiMassa for stealing $1.2 million in federal COVID relief money by billing the city for pandemic-related consulting services that federal officials said he never performed.

DiMassa, 32, a West Haven Democrat who was charged with fraud, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty in the case.

Rossi blasted DiMassa at his sentencing, saying the city would prefer to assign him to “clean toilets and pick up trash” as part of his community service after being released from federal prison.

“He’s a liar, a con artist, and a degenerate gambler,” Rossi said.

West Haven also has been under the oversight of the state Municipal Accountability Review Board since 2017; the panel gains such oversight for “municipalities experiencing various levels of fiscal distress.”

In a city dominated by Democratic politics, Borer could eventually face Republican Barry Lee Cohen, who lost to Rossi in 2021 by only 32 votes in a harsh battle that went to a recount.

Borer won a special election in February 2017 to fill a seat left vacant by longtime state Rep. Stephen D. Dargan, a Democrat who now serves on the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

A longtime student of West Haven politics, Dargan served in the legislature for 26 years, including 22 years as co-chairman of the public safety committee. He described Borer as a hard worker who is highly organized.

“She’s trying to move in a new direction,” Dargan said in an interview. “It looks like the Democrats are unified. There will be no primary. I can’t remember the last time the Democrats haven’t had a primary for mayor.”

Dargan and Borer have discussed the differences of being the leader of West Haven as opposed to being one of 151 members of the state House of Representatives in Hartford.

“I think being mayor or first selectman is probably the most difficult job you can do,” Dargan said.

Borer is set to make her official announcement Thursday, and she has already been spreading the word on Facebook.

“I’m running because, like you, I know the possibilities for our great city are endless and it’s time to unlock West Haven’s potential,” Borer said in a statement. “This can only happen with strong leadership, fresh ideas and accountability. Throughout this campaign, I will do what I always do for West Haven, stay positive, stay focused and deliver.”

To her constituents, she added, “I hope you stand with me as together we will chart a new course for West Haven. … The promise for the future belongs to all of us.”

She is running on the campaign slogan of “Leadership. Experience. Integrity.”

Borer’s official announcement will be made in front of supporters at The Boardwalk at Oak Street.

After serving nearly six years in the legislature, Borer was named in December by House Speaker Matt Ritter as a deputy Speaker. The deputies preside over the chamber in the Speaker’s absence.

Borer’s former husband, Richard Borer, served as West Haven’s mayor for 14 years from 1991 until 2005.

Various other candidates have expressed interest on the Republican side. They include political newcomer Paige Weinstein and Steven R. Mullins, a former planning commissioner who withdrew from a Republican primary in the 2021 mayor’s race and had previously run for state comptroller in 2002 against Democrat Nancy Wyman.

In his announcement statement, Cohen said, “If there is anything that the last five years have demonstrated, we need a new West Haven. And should I be blessed with earning your vote and trust, I will be prepared to lead on Day One and offer leadership without excuses.’”

He added, “I will be accessible, forthright, and accountable. The days of finger-pointing will stop. Residents are tired of the same song, first, second and third verses. Transparency will be practiced, not preached.”

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com