‘Be Against Hate, Against Intolerance’: Hamden Mayor

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng released the following statement on Friday:

“Be Against Hate, Against Intolerance”

I oppose intolerance, hate-speech, threats, displays of racism or harassment in any forms. I believe it is imperative that I once more publicly state my unequivocal opposition to any of these words or actions. We have witnessed far too many recent examples on social media platforms and in other public spaces, which are hurtful, harmful, and inhumane - to both the targeted individuals and to our community.

Further, I find efforts that aim to harm an individual’s personal job or their financial livelihood to be an extreme measure which should only be considered in the most serious of situations and when all other remedies have been exhausted.

If anyone has been the target of threats, harassment, bullying, hate-speech or other dangerous language, I strongly encourage you to contact the Hamden Police Department and report such incident(s). I can assure you that each incident will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and professionally.

I am committed, as the Town’s elected Mayor, to fostering an environment of tolerance, space for respectful disagreement and thoughtful dialogue. I am hopeful that in the coming months we can find ways to come together, returning to a place where our debate is civil and our focus is on our families, all of our neighbors and the betterment of our Town as a whole.

Curt Balzano Leng

Mayor, Town of Hamden

See also:

• Hamden Officials Call For Unity After Outcry Over Councilor
• Hamden Councilor Lambasted Over Comments To Colleague: Report