Mayor Richetelli

About Mayor Richetelli

 Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. is a lifelong resident of Milford. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1979. Mayor Richetelli earned a Bachelor's degree from Frodham University in 1983.

One year after graduating from Fordham University, Mayor Richetelli began his career in community and public service.  He served five terms on the Board of Aldermen, as Board Chairman from 1989 – 1995, and as majority leader from 1987 – 1989.  During his tenure as an Alderman, Mayor Richetelli chaired the Ordinance Committee, the Rules Committee and the West Shore Fire Station Building Committee.  Mayor Richetelli has served as a Justice of the Peace since 1991.

Mayor Richetelli, now in his fifth term as Mayor, has earned a reputation for honesty, fairness and effectiveness. Mayor Richetelli is a member - and has assumed leadership roles - in both the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and the South Central Connecticut Regional Council of Governments.  Mayor Richetelli co-chaired the CCM Statewide Task Force on Children, Youth and Families from 2006 – 08, and served as chairman of the Regional Council of Governments in

2007 – 08.

Within the City, Mayor Richetelli has worked closely with the Board of Aldermen to maintain an excellent quality of residential life and a welcoming climate for business development.

For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Milford in 2009 was named to the “Top 100 Communities in America for Young People” by America’s Promise, a national organization founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell.  This year, the City of Milford also was named one of the “Top 10 Places in America for Seniors to Retire” by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayor Richetelli has been honored personally with the Milford Chamber of Commerce Public Sector Award, the Public Service Award from Bridges…A Community Support System, the Easter Seals Connecticut President’s Award, the Easter Seals National Outstanding Advocate Award and an Achievement Award from the Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities. 

In addition, Mayor Richetelli has received a Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America and the Italian-American of the Year Award from the Milford Columbus Committee.  He has been recognized as a Strong Kids Builder by the Central Connecticut Coast Milford/Orange YMCA. In November, Mayor Richetelli will be inducted into the Knights of Honor for Notre Dame High School, in West Haven, Connecticut.

Mayor Richetelli and his wife, Lisa, have three children, Michelle, Julie and James III.  Mayor Richetelli is Past President of Milford National Little League, a former coach of Milford Recreation Department youth basketball and softball teams, and an enthusiastic parent in the Milford United Soccer Club. 

Mayor Richetelli remains active in the Saint Mary Church community.

Follow the Mayor on

Register Reports on Mayor Richetelli's Use of Facebook

The New Haven Register did a front page article on Facebook usage. They reported:Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. is a big Facebook user, amassing more than 1,100 “friends” for his re-election bid. He said Facebook allows him to communicate directly to the community and ensures he’s being as accessible as possible. His recent postings refer to the city’s new anti-blight ordinance, energy savings and contain press releases and statements.

“It’s been a tremendous tool. Some people would say I am technologically challenged, but we need to be in the 21st century,” Richetelli said. “Government changes and technology continues to change. I need to keep up. This is how many people in the community get their information.”

Richetelli stressed the “good old-fashioned way of going door to door for face-to-face voter contact” remains paramount. Rob Barbieri, youth coordinator for Richetelli’s campaign, noted 68 percent of the mayor’s Facebook friends are under age 25. Barbieri said Facebook allows Richetelli to interact with youth and demonstrates they want to get involved in Milford. For the full story - click here.

Mayor Richetelli - Greenest Mayor in Ct

The Milford Garden Club named Mayor Richetelli the "Greenest Mayor in Ct"

in recognition of his efforts to improve the environment.

Mayor's Closing Comments at 2009 Plymouth Men’s Club Debate

With all due respect to those who would seek to be Mayor, there is no better qualification for this job than having worked diligently at it for eight years – as I have.   Other professions earn my respect.  But I am a man of government, who deeply loves the daily work of service for the City. Not for the money.  Not for career enhancement.  Not for the ego boost.  Quite simply, I love governing this great City.

And as a result of this event, I hope you have a picture of the kind of mayor I try to be.  One who is humbled by the trust and faith the City of Milford has placed in me to lead for the last eight years. I am a uniter, not a divider.  I am an open man who seeks to define myself by my actions.  I am a mayor who is committed to working with everyone who lends a hand in the governing of this City – our selfless boards and commissions, our dedicated employees, our innovative and watchful citizens and our community at large. 

My favorite words of Abraham Lincoln are the best summary I can think of:

“I do the best I can, the best I know how.  And I aim to continue to do so.”  

For the full text - click here

Mayor Richetelli Joins Veterans to Celebrate Groundbreaking

Mayor Richetelli joined Greg Smith and other veterans to celebrate the groundbreaking on VFW Post 7788's new elevator lift, which will give disabled veterans complete access to their post facility. Helping the Mayor is Greg Smith, candidate for Board of Aldermen in the second district.