First Poet Laureate Named In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT —Tony Fusco has been announced as West Haven’s first poet laureate. Fusco, shown holding a mayoral proclamation observing National Poetry Month, was appointed to the honorary position of poet laureate of West Haven by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi during a ceremony Monday at City Hall.

Along with announcing Fusco as the city’s first poet laureate, Rossi issued the proclamation, saying, “Poetry affects every aspect of life in the United States today, including education, the economy, and community pride and development.”

As the city’s official poet, Fusco, a lifelong resident who lives on Shingle Hill Road, will appear at readings and conduct workshops as an advocate for the reading and writing of poetry. He has written three books of poetry, including “Java Scripture,” featuring poems about his youth, Savin Rock and Allingtown. His poetry has won many awards, including the prestigious Sunken Garden Poetry Prize.

Fusco has a master’s degree in creative writing from Southern Connecticut State University and is co-president of the Connecticut Poetry Society.