3 Democrats Apply For Party’s Endorsement For Hamden Mayor

HAMDEN, CT — Three people have applied for the Democratic endorsement in Hamden’s mayoral race, however, three-term incumbent Mayor Curt Balzano Leng isn’t one of them, according to the New Haven Register.

The Register reports Lauren Garrett, Brad MacDowall and Peter Cyr have applied for endorsement under a new process implemented by the Democratic Town Committee. Garrett, a former member of the Legislative Council, lost to Leng in the 2019 primary and Macdowall is currently serving his second term on the council.

The Democratic Town Committee called on all interested candidates to fill out a questionnaire for Mayor, Legislative Council, Town Clerk or Board of Education, as part of the party’s endorsement process.

“An effective Town government and Board of Education depends on engaged community members and competent, energetic, dedicated leaders willing to serve in public offices,” reads a post on the DTC’s Facebook page. “Our Office of Mayor, Legislative Council, Board of Education and Town Clerk are stronger when qualified candidates offer voters choices as to who will represent them. Serving in public office lets you use your skills, talents, and experience to be a creative force for positive change in Hamden.”

Leng did not return a questionnaire.

Leng, who hasn’t ruled out running for re-election, told the Register that he’s focused on governing and preparing for the town’s budget process and said it wasn’t time to focus on politics.

Leng is presenting his recommended budget for fiscal year 2021-22 to the Legislative Council on Wednesday night (March 17) at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a formal meeting of the Legislative Council and open to the public.

Connection information is below:

https://zoom.us/j/96032210583

Password: Dragons

US: +1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 960-3221-0583

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aH73lUF9D

Read the full story at the New Haven Register here.