Hamden Democrats Endorse Leng For Mayor In Close Vote

HAMDEN, CT — Mayor Curt Balzano Leng received the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement for re-election Tuesday night but will likely face a primary challenge as he eyes a third full-term in office. Leng received the party’s endorsement by a 34-27 margin over Legislative Councilwoman Lauren Garrett, who announced that she will seek the required petition signatures to force a primary election in September.

Leng was first elected mayor in May of 2015 in a special election to serve the remainder of former Mayor Scott Jackson's term after he resigned to take a position with the state. Leng went on to win the next two mayoral elections.

“We obviously have a bit of a split town committee here,” Leng said as he stepped to the podium to accept the party’s nomination Tuesday night at Thornton Wilder Hall. “And I think there’s a lot of people that voted on both sides that have more in common than not. And I do hope that as we continue with this process, that we can mend those fences.”

Leng acknowledged that he has received “some criticism from a couple of corners,” including some that were in the room, over the last year-and-a half.

Leng said that he wanted to “push back a little bit on the notion that Hamden is struggling so much.” He also said he has been criticized for being “too optimistic,” which he thought was a “strange one.”

“I think as mayor you’re the town’s ambassador and it’s your job to sell your community and be enthusiastic, be a glass is half-full kind of person,” he said. "That approach builds confidence and pride, build momentum. Momentum that might help to give that last little nudge to help a business invest in Hamden. Or help a family that wants to move into Hamden or a surrounding community to pick Hamden. And I find it to be an important role.”

Leng said that he has “watched and been saddened” by some who have intentionally, or unintentionally, pushed a narrative that is a “bit negative” and “we can do better than that.”

“I know that Hamden is more than its failures and that we have a wonderful, diverse and caring community of neighbors who are there for each other and neighborhoods that are strong and different and unique and wonderful and getting stronger every day,” Leng said. “I care about this town greatly. I care about our people. I got into public service because I want to help folks and I find nothing more rewarding. And while this job is incredibly intense and has demands that are hard to even express, being mayor allows you to directly help people every day, in ways big and small.”

Garrett announced Wednesday that she has the petition papers and will be working to receive the signatures needed to force a primary, which will take place Sept. 10.

“Last night at the convention, we came very close, but lost the endorsement,” Garrett wrote in a post on Facebook. “I want to thank the DTC members who put their support behind me. The endorsement is the easy way onto the ballot. Now we are taking it direct to the voters. I have petition papers for ballot access for the democratic primary for mayor. I need your help. We are going to have signing parties, door knocking, and signing stations. We need 835 signatures. Let’s go!”