Hamden Candidate Profile: Meinsen For Legislative Council

HAMDEN, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Hamden and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Hamden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Karlen Meinsen is running for a seat on the Legislative Council in the 6th District as a Republican. Her husband, Jay Kaye, is running for mayor as a Republican.

She is in her 30th year of teaching in New Haven Public Schools. She is currently a fifth-grade science/literacy teacher at Celentano Biotech, Health and Medical Magnet School. She is a Union Steward for Local 933.

Meinsen has a bachelor’s of science degree and a master’s of science in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Are you running for office in Hamden? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Hamden Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our town is the Mill rate and what caused it.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The single most pressing issue facing our town is the Mill rate and what caused it. Hamden is very close to insolvency. We need to assess every department to look for waste and find areas where we can save money. We need to prioritize the needs of the school system and identify areas where we can spend money more efficiently without affecting the quality of the education. We need to create fair opportunities for all of our students in town.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will continue to advocate for traffic calming measures on all town roads, especially in neighborhoods. I will work with the police department on improved enforcement and seek efficient solutions for these efforts. I am a full supporter of H.A.T. as well as the tree commission and will continue to improve the town's commitment to replant and sustain our tree canopy, especially in areas of great need. The Highmeadows property will need careful consideration and decisions that suit the neighbors needs and desires as well as be economically sound for Hamden. I also deeply believe in the need to revitalize southern Hamden using the opportunity zone and create a vibrant, thriving community with new and unique economic successes that can create the pride that is long overdue to these neighborhoods.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My many years as an active P.T.A. chairperson for multiple committees, leading several booster clubs for Hamden High School sports teams, the Spring Glen Civic Association executive board as well as multiple leadership roles at the schools I have worked have all developed my skills to lead a group of people in an organized, productive way toward a common goal. Various ways that I have fostered and implemented leadership skills are: serving as a grade level team leader, a member of S.P.M.T. (School Planning and Management Team), the building level data team, as well as an NHPS curriculum author. I have successfully demonstrated the ability to listen and collaborate, as well as unite people, using effective communication skills.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My father has always said "don't quit and don't give up." He is now 96 years old and continues to model that for us! I will not give up on my hometown, our home!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

When I commit to something, I give 120 percent to that mission. I successfully motivate my students to be the best they can be! I believe where there is a team working together for a common cause, anything is possible! I will listen to all of the citizens and do whatever possible to help. I feel that is the mission of all public servants.

Campaign website:

Facebook page: Karlen Meinsen for the 6th District