Hamden Democratic Primary: Peter Cyr Seeks Mayoral Nomination

HAMDEN, CT — This year's Democratic Primary election features a three-way race for mayor.

Former Legislative Councilwoman Lauren Garrett, 40, received the Democratic Town Committee's endorsement in July.

Incumbent Democratic Mayor Curt Balzano Leng, 47, did not seek the party's endorsement and is seeking a fourth full-term in office through the primary election.

Local political newcomer Peter Cyr, 26, also petitioned his way onto the ballot.

Garrett forced a primary against Leng in 2019 after he received the party's endorsement by a 34-27 margin. Leng won the primary election by winning each of the nine voting districts.

Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary, which is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 14.

Peter Cyr

Occupation: Organizer

Family: Kaitlin (35), Tim (32), Patrick (28)- siblings Sarah and Gil- parents

Family in government: No

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

The increased tax burden on our middle class community. It is not right that in Hamden we pay a 52 mill rate and Greenwich pays a mill rate of 11. We need to focus on two things to fix this; structurally balancing our budget, and getting more state aid through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program. Without the American Rescue plan, we’d be running a big deficit year to year. We need to become less administratively top heavy as a whole, and streamline our services. We can be more efficient in the way we fill potholes, manage our expenses, and how we get money into the classroom. As mayor I would tie all department expansions to efficiency metrics. Departments cannot expand until they hit certain operational goals, which will be evaluated quarterly, in a public zoom. On top of this we need to diversify our revenue with more state aid. Quinnipiac is our number one employer, but we cannot tax their land. The property tax paradox creates a failed business model for towns like Hamden. It is also true that QU employs many residents of Wallingford, Cheshire, Bethany, North Haven, and Woodbridge. All these towns get the same amenities, but Hamden is the only town paying for it. Hamden also has the highest minority population of these towns. This is why the state needs to fully fund its PILOT program every year. It is the best, and most equitable solution. I intend to form a coalition of mayors to lobby the state for more funding

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

The biggest difference between me and the other candidates is the fact that I have not been associated with any past decision making, and probably my age. I think one of my biggest advantages is that I have not been involved locally. The politics in town have gotten very toxic, and being removed from it I think I can offer a fresh new perspective that has not alienated anyone. We need to move past egos and personalities and focus on the pressing issues our town is facing. In terms of my age, I actually think that Hamden needs someone young to bring change. We need a new perspective that can help fit our town into the digital economy, and young energy that can organize the town around a common agenda.

Accomplishments:

Professionally, I was an organizer for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and led the field program for Senator Murphy. I also worked in the Boston state house on securing line items and grant money. As an organizer I am also focused on finding low cost solutions to big problems, and I want to take these skills to organize Hamden around the important issues facing our town. I was also a diver at Cal, and part of the 2014 NCAA champion Men’s Swim and Dive team.

Other issues:

Middle class tax equity, reducing gun violence, acquiring Olin/Six Lakes Forest for hiking trails, a more efficient plan for roads and potholes, and designing better ways to slow traffic and get cars off the road.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I want us to get back to a positive narrative for our town. For too long has debt clouded the local decision making and been misrepresenting what our town is about. We are a beautiful town, with incredible parks, and people. Let's get off Facebook and start to treat each other with respect again. If you elect me, I promise to find a way to heal this town and finally bring us together around a common agenda.