Hamden Democratic Primary 2025: Howard Seeks Mayoral Nomination

HAMDEN, CT — Five candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination for Hamden mayor in this year’s primary election.

The crowded field of candidates was whittled down in July when Mayor Lauren Garrett announced that she was ending her re-election campaign for a third term.

Since then, Legislative Council President Dominique Baez won the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement at the party’s convention and is now facing a primary challenge from Peter Cyr, Lushonda Howard, Walter Morton IV and Adam Sendroff. Jameka Jefferies also intended to be on the ballot for the primary election, but fell short of the signatures needed to qualify and will appear on the ballot in the municipal election in November as a petitioning candidate, according to the New Haven Register.

Jonathan Katz is the Republican candidate for mayor.

Early voting is underway for the Democratic primary election. Voting hours for this weekend are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller Library-Thornton Wilder Hall, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, for both Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7.

Patch asked the mayoral candidates on the Democratic primary ballot to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary, which is Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Lushonda D. Howard

Occupation:

I was elected as the Democratic Registrar of Voters, in 2022. The first person of color elected to this position with over 14,000 votes.

Experience:

My diverse experiences have equipped me with a unique skill set that has prepared me for the role of Mayor.

I am a Veteran of the United States Navy, and my military service demonstrates leadership, discipline, and a commitment to public service. It also has provided me with a strong understanding of teamwork, strategic planning, and crisis management – skills that will be invaluable in municipal governance.

I am a Professor of Criminal Justice and Local Government. I have honed the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. My expertise in Criminal Justice equips me with insight into public safety, law enforcement, and community relations, which are critical issues. I will advocate for policies that promote safety while also addressing the root causes of crime.

I am a small business owner, which has given me firsthand experience in economic development, budgeting, and community engagement. I understand the challenges that small businesses face and can implement policies that support local entrepreneurs, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs in Hamden.

I am a 20 year retiree of the Connecticut Department of Correction, which provides me with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on communities.

I am the current Registrar of Voters, having made history as the first person of color to be elected to this position with over 14000 votes from the Hamden community. I am proficient in the electoral process, voter engagement and know the importance of civic engagement. My experience will help and continue to promote professionalism, accountability, and transparency as well as integrity in the Town of Hamden Government Center, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard.

I am a member of the Democratic Town Committee, which has provided me with an understanding of the political landscape, party dynamics and community needs.

My multifaceted background gives me a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Hamden. My leadership skills, commitment to public service, and ability to engage with a diverse community position me to be an effective and responsive Mayor. Our united vision for Hamden can draw upon these experiences to create a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community for all residents.

The single biggest issue in our town revolves around the lack of financial stability. The absence of an annual audit and a finance director has resulted in costly errors amounting to 15 million dollars. Failure to adhere to the Hamden Charter, which outlines the proper governance of our town, is evident. The current leadership, including the legislative council, has proven to be ineffective. Drawing from my extensive managerial and budgetary expertise, I am committed to enforcing fiscal accountability. One of the initial steps will be reducing my salary as Mayor by 15 percent. Collaborating with the community, finance committee, and finance commission, we will develop comprehensive short-term and long-term strategies. This will involve appointing a Finance Director and promptly conducting the overdue audit to gain a clear understanding of our financial situation. By addressing these issues while safeguarding essential services, we can pave the way for a more stable future in Hamden.

Critical difference between me and my opponents:

I am the sole candidate who currently holds the position of Department Head in the town of Hamden, and has actually presented a budget to both the town and the Legislative Council this year. Upon learning of our financial difficulties, I promptly reviewed the previously submitted budget and made a 15 percent reduction. I then addressed the council, suggesting that every department head follow suit. The legislative council, however took six weeks to implement my recommendation. Although I am not an employee of the town, as an elected official working in the government center, I not only see the mismanagement of funds, but also the mismanagement of employees.

Each candidate may share similar plans and policies. The critical difference lies not in the plans and policies themselves, but rather their successful implementation. I am the only candidate with an extensive formal education in policy implementation. I have a Master of Science Degree in Public Policy and Administration. I am the only candidate with real life practical experience that is also not associated with a past administration. I am also the only candidate that is actually present and actively engaging with the community, attending Legislative Council meetings, and being an advocate for the community prior to assuming the position of Mayor.

Accomplishments:

First person of color to be elected Registrar of Voters in the Town of Hamden with over 14,000 votes.

Under my leadership, Hamden achieved the highest early voter turnout in the entire State, and received recognition from the Secretary of the State.

Received the Professional of the Year Award from the city of Bridgeport two consecutive years.

Chair of the Hamden Arts Commission for three consecutive years.

Was the first person to receive the Dana Laudati Award from the State Parole and Community Services for outstanding community service in the community.

Recognized by Senator Murphy for serving as a long time mentor for the Big Brother Big Sister Program

Other issues:

There are many issues in the town of Hamden, that need to be addressed. Many of the issues can be resolved by simply following the Hamden Charter which is our guide to governing our town, but I will list some areas of concern:

Economic Development: As Mayor I will implement strategies to enhance economic development to include creating a business-friendly environment such as simplifying regulations and streamlining permitting processes to make it easier for businesses to start and operate.

Public Safety: As a twenty year veteran of law enforcement, I will implement a comprehensive strategy to tackle various aspects of community safety, crime prevention and emergency response. I will advocate for a community oriented policing approach that aims to build trust and foster collaboration between law enforcement agencies and residents.

Education: As Mayor I will advocate for the improvement of the quality of education in our community. I will advocate for fair distribution of funding for schools to ensure that the funding is equitable, and all schools have the resources they need to provide quality education.

Sustainability: Promoting sustainability and addressing environmental issues, such as waste management, pollution, and climate change initiatives, can be important for community health and quality of life.

There are many issues of concern, based on community needs, and other factors, as Mayor and with the collaboration of the community, issues of concern will be addressed.

What else would you like voters to know about you:

As a dedicated resident of the Hamden Community, I am committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable town where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. My mission as Mayor will be to prioritize Professionalism, Accountability, and Transparency, with collaboration and innovation in our government, which will lead to a transformation for our town and community. These are the fundamental steps of government. As Mayor, I will ensure that the voices of all residents are not only heard, but valued.

I am encouraging voters to Vote Row C for Mayor. Vote for Courage, Commitment, Community, but most importantly for CHANGE! You will find that on ROW C in the Primary.