Hamden Election 2025: Sean Cardwell Running For Legislative Council

HAMDEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Hamden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for mayor and town clerk, along with seats on the legislative council and board of education.

Hamden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Sean Cardwell is running for re-election to the Hamden Legislative Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
Legislative Council - District 1

Campaign Website

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Occupation:

Civil Engineer - 20yrs of experience

Family:
Yes. A wife and two children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes. I am running for my second term for Legislative Council - (2023-)
Chair - Human Rights and Relations Commission (2018-2023)

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for my second term in office because there is more work to do. There are many policies and procedures that need to be updated and implemented in order to have better communication amongst the council and with the mayors office. I believe this is an important step in creating the transparency and communication that our Town needs.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Finances - I will continue to work with my colleagues and the mayor’s office to receive the required information necessary to make decisions. This will be achieved by creating a standard order of operations to outline better communication, transparency, and the meeting of deadlines to adhere to the Town Charter.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
A major difference between me and other candidates is my 20 years of municipal experience. That experience combined with being a Councilman affords me the ability to understand how a Town should function internally while meeting the demands of the legislators and the residents. Through many years of volunteering, coaching, partnering with non-profits and commission work, a rooting in the community has been established. The lasting relationships and growing networks allow me to get answers for my constituents.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
As a council member, I am also the VC of the Economic Development Committee. I will continue to address the economic development needs of our Town through assisting the Economic Development Department in bringing new businesses to Hamden. I also look forward to connecting with our senior residents about their needs as we move towards livable communities. Accessibility through, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, bike lanes and railings are a just few of the tools to make life better for all of our residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
We recently went through an arduous budget season that took a toll on every member of this Town. Working through the countless hours of deliberating, responding to constituents, addressing the daily needs of the Town and balancing family life shows the commitment I have to this work.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“The people elected you to represent them. Make the best decision with what you have and go to sleep.”

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am committed to continue representing the 1st District of Hamden to keep the Town moving forward as a community.