[Stylo]

Anyone following this? I personally feel it's big news, as Destefano (love him or hate him) has been mayor for over 2 decades. That's a good reason to introduce term limits.

So far, I'm really liking Justin Elicker. He's smart, has proven that he works hard for the community's interest, has new ideas, an outsider to the corrupt CT political scene. He's also fairly moderate, it seems, and has proven through actions as an alderman that he cares about things like fiscal responsibility. He stresses economic development is the key to solving a lot of the city's woes. I think he'd do tremendous good for the city.

The mainstream candidate with the most political backing, Toni Harp - I'm not convinced. She seems like more of the same.

Thoughts?

[El Scorcho]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Anyone following this? I personally feel it's big news, as Destefano (love him or hate him) has been mayor for over 2 decades. That's a good reason to introduce term limits.

So far, I'm really liking Justin Elicker. He's smart, has proven that he works hard for the community's interest, has new ideas, an outsider to the corrupt CT political scene. He's also fairly moderate, it seems, and has proven through actions as an alderman that he cares about things like fiscal responsibility. He stresses economic development is the key to solving a lot of the city's woes. I think he'd do tremendous good for the city.

The mainstream candidate with the most political backing, Toni Harp - I'm not convinced. She seems like more of the same.

Thoughts?

New Haven is a bit far from me, so I'm not following the election. Do many politicians in Connecticut hail from the New Haven area? How big is the city population-wise? What is its influence on the state overall? Everyone knows Yale, but what else is there? Is it safer than other cities its size? When I was younger and had more time and less responsibility, I used to go down there for a few shows and it was the first time I had to tell a person through bullet proof glass at a gas station at night that I wanted a bottle of water. That was maybe 15 years ago.

What does this election mean for people outside of New Haven? What business is it of ours? What are the implications for the future of Connecticut?

Thanks.

El Scorcho

[Stylo]

I'm not sure this is the right thread for a debrief on New Haven, but it's the state's 2nd most populous city behind Bridgeport. It's changed a lot in 15 years, and while it still has a serious crime problem in certain neighborhoods - it's drastically improved and grown since then.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Based upon what he did in Stamford, i think Dan Malloy would have been the perfect replacement for DeStefano. Too bad he is governor right now.

[seymourct]

I know it matters! Can't vote in this- but hope they get a strong mayor . The dichotomy of the city as a whole needs to always be addressed and respected. The millionaire Yalies, and the regular income families in regular homes have varied perspectives. There clearly is a violence issue. The city installed the shots fired monitoring system. I'm not sure if it has decreased incidents or just decreased response times. Either way city needs a strong unifying voice at city hall.

[JayCT]

I am sorry but Elicker led a group who fought the design of the Route 34/Downtown Crossing project questioning the number of lanes that would be built on the corridor. They wanted only two lanes on the Frontage Roads and brought a tape measure to a Board of Alderman meeting to show how far 55 feet was for pedestrians to cross. That distance is less than most of the major streets in downtown like Church and Elm. He did not care the impact on traffic or that the state was ready to stop the Downtown Crossing project (which would have meant the end of the 100 College Street building). He also fought an upgade to the city's parking meter system. Why would he oppose bringing it into the 21st century? Jay

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I am sorry but Elicker led a group who fought the design of the Route 34/Downtown Crossing project questioning the number of lanes that would be built on the corridor. They wanted only two lanes on the Frontage Roads and brought a tape measure to a Board of Alderman meeting to show how far 55 feet was for pedestrians to cross. That distance is less than most of the major streets in downtown like Church and Elm. He did not care the impact on traffic or that the state was ready to stop the Downtown Crossing project (which would have meant the end of the 100 College Street building). He also fought an upgade to the city's parking meter system. Why would he oppose bringing it into the 21st century? Jay

I don't know, still seems like a lesser evil all things considered. Harp's late husband's tax scandal is also really sketchy. The other candidates have also said some really radical left stuff during debates.

His 75 days, 75 solutions ploy is interesting. At least he's putting something out there, even though I don't agree with all the ideas.

Modern Transit Technology | Elicker 2013

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Stylo

I don't know, still seems like a lesser evil all things considered. Harp's late husband's tax scandal is also really sketchy. The other candidates have also said some really radical left stuff during debates.

His 75 days, 75 solutions ploy is interesting. At least he's putting something out there, even though I don't agree with all the ideas.

Modern Transit Technology | Elicker 2013

We will see. Notice he says he supports establishment of Bus Rapid Transit in the city and specifically mentions Hartford. I guess that means he supports the New Britain-Hartford Busway project. Kidyankee - Where are you??? Jay

[seymourct]

Those of us in NewHaven's suburban circle will be keeping an eye on this.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by seymourct

Those of us in NewHaven's suburban circle will be keeping an eye on this.

As everyone should. The problem with many new Mayors is that the want to push their own agenda and alter what was done under the previous administration. The begin to pander to their constituants and ignore peoples view from the outside.

Hartford is a classic case where a lot was done under Mayor Mike Peters but when Perez took over he ignored the important things Peters started. The mess with Front Street can squarely be blamed on Perez who decided to can the chosen developer and put in his own guy. That set the project back several years meaning it hit the street in the middle of the recession. He also did nothing to keep major employers in the city which is why companies like WFSB and ING left for the suburbs. Very sad. I really hope this does not happen in New Haven. The city really is posed for great growth. Jay