Hamden Democratic Primary: Kathleen Schomaker Seeks Nomination

HAMDEN, CT — Registered Democrats in Hamden will head to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 14, for a primary election that features a three-way race for mayor and positions on the Legislative Council and Board of Education up for grabs.

Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary.

Kathleen Schomaker, 71, is challenging for a spot on the Legislative Council as an At-Large candidate.

Occupation: Environmental Program developer and manager

Family: Mother of 38 year-old FTM counseling psychologist and copy editor residing and working in Minneapolis, MN. Aunt and Great-Aunt to numerous beloved nieces, nephews and grands. Eldering our family with 3 surviving sisters and one surviving brother.

Experience: Hamden Legislative Councillor and Pro Tem of Council

Family in government: no

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Fiscal affordability of essential services. Work closely with expert Finance professionals to access grants while monitoring expenses and funding services.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Developing respectful relationships with our professional staff so the difficult conversations can proceed with mutual trust and respect. Listening to more diverse constituent voices.

Accomplishments:

14 years of experience with our municipal budget process, with listening and responding to diverse constituents, and with professional staff in difficult conversations.

Other issues:

Justice and Reform are themes--in policing, in sustainability agenda, in budgeting, and in civic discoures. Need to be more inclusive with public input and public participation.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Service leadership comes before politics for personal power.