North Haven Election 2025: Michael Hallahan Running For Board Of Finance
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North Haven Election 2025: Michael Hallahan’s Bid for the Board of Finance
North Haven’s 2025 municipal election will see a key race for the Board of Finance, a three‑seat body that controls the town’s budget, tax rates and large‑scale capital projects. One of the candidates in this contest is Michael Hall Hallahan, a long‑time community member who has spent more than a decade working in local government and business. In this piece we distill the main points from the Patch article titled “North Haven election 2025 – Michael Hallahan running for board of finance” and follow any links to build a fuller picture of the campaign, the board’s role and the election’s context.
The Board of Finance: A Vital Town Institution
The Board of Finance in North Haven is a cornerstone of the town’s governance. Its three members sit on the Board of Finance and are responsible for:
- Drafting and approving the annual budget, which determines how municipal revenues are allocated to schools, roads, parks, public safety and other services.
- Setting the town’s property tax rates, which are the primary source of revenue for the district’s public schools and other services.
- Approving capital projects and major expenditures, such as road repairs, bridge replacements, new building construction and long‑term debt financing.
- Overseeing the town’s long‑term financial plan, ensuring that borrowing is sustainable and that reserves are maintained for future needs.
Because the board’s decisions directly affect both public service quality and residents’ wallets, its members are usually drawn from people with experience in accounting, budgeting, real estate, or local business.
The Patch article explains that the board seats are staggered; each term lasts four years. In 2025, one seat will be up for election, and the winner will serve until 2029.
Michael Hallahan: Background and Platform
Michael Hallahan is a resident of North Haven for over 25 years. Prior to announcing his candidacy, Hallahan held several local leadership roles, including:
- A seat on the North Haven Planning and Zoning Commission for six years, where he advocated for balanced development and efficient use of town land.
- Vice‑president of the local Chamber of Commerce, where he facilitated partnerships between businesses and the municipal government.
- Board member of the North Haven Community Foundation, overseeing charitable grants and local philanthropy.
His professional background includes work as a financial analyst for a regional accounting firm and as a consultant on municipal budgeting for several nearby towns.
Hallahan’s campaign message centers on fiscal prudence, transparency and community engagement. He states that he will:
- Keep property taxes low by improving budget discipline and cutting unnecessary spending.
- Invest in critical infrastructure upgrades—particularly road maintenance and park improvements—while ensuring that funds are used efficiently.
- Increase transparency by publishing a clear, itemized budget and by holding public forums where residents can ask questions about expenditures.
- Work closely with the town’s mayor and council to align the finance board’s priorities with broader community goals.
Hallahan’s supporters include a mix of local business leaders, longtime residents, and environmental advocates who applaud his balanced approach to growth and fiscal responsibility.
The Opponent Landscape
The article notes that Hallahan is not running alone. The other candidates for the open seat include:
- Deborah “Deb” McLeod, a small‑business owner who emphasizes workforce development and community‑based services.
- Thomas “Tom” Rivera, a former city treasurer who promises deeper audits and stronger oversight of municipal contracts.
The board will be deciding among these three candidates after the primary. The candidate with the highest vote share in the primary will advance to the general election, where the top two finishers will compete.
Election Logistics
- Primary Election: September 10, 2025. Only registered voters in North Haven may cast ballots.
- General Election: November 8, 2025. The top two candidates from the primary will vie for the board seat.
- Candidate Filing Deadline: July 20, 2025. All candidates must submit a declaration of candidacy, financial disclosure, and a $250 filing fee.
- Campaign Finance Reporting: Candidates must file quarterly reports with the Connecticut State Elections Division, detailing contributions, expenditures, and debt.
Voter turnout in North Haven municipal elections has historically hovered around 30‑40 %. The Patch piece emphasizes the importance of early voting and absentee ballots, especially for those who cannot attend the primary in person.
Follow‑Up Links and Extended Context
The article links to several resources that provide deeper insight into the campaign:
North Haven 2025 Election Overview – This page lists all the races in the 2025 cycle, including the mayoral, council, and school board contests. It also provides a calendar of key election dates and details about voter registration deadlines.
Board of Finance – North Haven – The dedicated board page explains its statutory responsibilities, committee structure, and recent budgetary decisions. A PDF copy of the 2024 budget is available for public review, illustrating the board’s fiscal priorities.
Michael Hallahan – Candidate Profile – The profile offers a more detailed biography, a video message from Hallahan, and a Q&A section where he answers common voter concerns about taxes, infrastructure and community development.
North Haven Community Foundation – Annual Report – A link to the foundation’s 2023 report provides context on how local philanthropy has been used to support schools and community projects, an area Hallahan cites as a key component of his platform.
These resources allow voters to assess Hallahan’s past record, understand the board’s workload, and compare candidate positions on concrete budget items.
Conclusion
North Haven’s 2025 municipal election will shape the town’s fiscal trajectory for the next four years. Michael Hallahan, a seasoned community advocate with experience in budgeting and local business, brings a platform of fiscal conservatism, transparent governance and targeted infrastructure investment to the Board of Finance race. While he faces competition from Deb McLeod and Tom Rivera, Hallahan’s blend of local ties, professional expertise and policy focus positions him as a compelling choice for residents who value responsible stewardship of public resources. As the election approaches, voters are encouraged to review the board’s responsibilities, evaluate each candidate’s track record and policy proposals, and participate in the democratic process to ensure that North Haven’s finances are managed wisely and sustainably.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/connecticut/northhaven/north-haven-election-2025-michael-hallahan-running-board-finance ]