Independent Candidate Returns To Mayoral Race In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — After previously removing himself from the ballot, Independent candidate Al Lotto is back in the race to be Hamden’s next mayor.

Lotto had petitioned his way onto the ballot for the municipal election by collecting the required signatures in August but announced last month that he was dropping out of the race. He cited pressure from "important" people in town and "venomous" messages he received as reasons for his decision, according to a statement on his campaign's Facebook page.

Lotto announced this week that he has officially registered as a write-in candidate for mayor. His candidacy was confirmed by the Secretary of the State’s Office.

Lotto will compete against Lauren Garrett, who defeated three-term incumbent Mayor Curt Balzano Leng in the Democratic primary election, and Republican Ron Gambardella.

Melinda Saller, who unsuccessfully ran for town clerk on Leng’s ticket in the primary election, has also filed paperwork to be a write-in candidate.

“Let it be known if you are not happy with either candidate, voice your opinion loud and clear,” Lotto wrote in a post on Facebook while announcing he was back in the race. “The two party system in Hamden is over. If You want to see change, vote accordingly. No more railroading people out! I have been contacted by so many residents who refuse to vote at all. Show the status quo you’ve had enough, as I have. You should not be forced to vote far left or far right. Show LG and RG You have a choice! And do not let people tell you you’re splitting votes, vote for whomever you wish to vote for. Local Elections should not be about big money, agendas or sucking up, they should be about integrity, ideas, and the desire to make our town a better place. No one has devoted more time to the people of Hamden. No one has given the independents and unaffiliated a voice before in Hamden. Show the ‘experts’ that they highly underestimated you. They are afraid of having a third party. If you really want to see change, Come out and vote!”