Hamden Election 2025: Theresa Katz 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.

Theresa Katz is running for election to the Hamden Legislative Council as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?
I am seeking the office of Legislative Council Member in the 3rd District. As a candidate for this role, I am committed to serving our community with integrity, diligence, and a dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of our residents. My goal is to be a responsive and effective representative, working collaboratively to enhance the well-being and prosperity of the 3rd District.

What town do you live in?
For the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of calling Hamden’s 3rd District my home.

Campaign Website
https://www.katzforhamden.org/

Party Affiliation:
I am affiliated with the Republican Party. My values align with the principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and individual liberty. I believe in advocating for pragmatic solutions that balance fiscal discipline with social considerations to create a prosperous and equitable community. I am committed to promoting policies that foster economic growth, ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and improve the quality of life for all citizens in the 3rd District. My approach emphasizes transparency, accountability, and effective governance to address the needs of our residents and build a stronger, more resilient community.

Occupation:
Professionally, I’ve spent 27 years at Yale University, including 10 years as a Senior Regulatory Analyst and certified IRB professional with the Human Research Protection Program. This role has equipped me with a deep understanding of complex regulatory environments and has provided me with the skills necessary to navigate and improve our town’s financial and administrative framework. I also coordinate three Institutional Review Board (IRB) meetings and serve as an alternate, non-scientific member on 14 other boards. In addition to my work in regulatory analysis, I have extensive experience in financial administration and coordinating grant-funded programs. This background reinforces my ability to manage our town’s finances with discipline and transparency. Throughout my career, I’ve learned how to analyze problems concisely and deliver fast results. These skills are precisely what’s needed to tackle the challenges we face here in Hamden. My background in ethics, financial management, and regulatory compliance positions me well to address our community's needs with practical, balanced solutions that promote both economic prosperity and social well-being.

Family:
Hamden has been our home for the past 40 years. It is where my husband, Bob, and I raised our son, Jonathan, and built lasting friendships. I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Another family member, who is a local celebrity, is Mike Katz. Mike was born and raised right here in Hamden. He is an American former IFBB professional bodybuilder and former professional football player with the New York Jets, most famous for his appearance with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary film "Pumping Iron." Our community has provided us with wonderful memories and a strong sense of belonging.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No one in my family works in politics or government. My family’s involvement and interests lie outside the political and governmental sectors.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have never held a public office, whether appointive or elective. However, I have been actively involved in our community and am deeply committed to serving and representing the interests of the 3rd District.

Professionally, I have spent 27 years at Yale University, including 10 years as a Senior Regulatory Analyst with the Human Research Protection Program. This role, along with my experience in financial administration and coordinating grant-funded programs, has equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate and improve our town’s financial and administrative framework.

My deep commitment to ethics, sound decision-making, and community engagement are the foundation of my approach to governance. I believe this blend of professional experience and dedication to our community uniquely positions me to address the challenges we face and to serve effectively on behalf of the residents of the 3rd District.

Why are you seeking this office?
My connection to this district extends far beyond mere geography; it's about the people. The relationships I’ve built here have shaped my values and strengthened my commitment to serve. I share the community’s desire to revitalize our neighborhood and to protect the family-centered spirit that makes Hamden such a wonderful place to live and raise our children.

However, I have witnessed a decline in basic services and unfulfilled promises: pothole-ridden roads, crumbling sidewalks, speeding cars without the promised speed bumps and rumble strips on Woodin Street, frequent car break-ins, unreliable trash collection, delays in leaf pickup, snow and tree removal, and a general lack of responsiveness to our concerns, all while our taxes continue to rise. Residents are frustrated, feeling neglected and unheard. They are disillusioned and disenfranchised by the lack of attention to their needs.

I am running for the Legislative Council because I want to be a clear and consistent voice for the 3rd District, a district that has too often been overlooked.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the need for fiscal responsibility. If I’m fortunate enough to earn their vote, my top priority will be to manage our town’s finances with discipline and transparency. My extensive background in financial administration and coordinating grant-funded programs equips me with the tools to ensure their tax dollars are spent wisely. This means we will prioritize what matters to them while minimizing waste.

To address this issue, we must create budgets that promote stability and growth while lifting the burden on taxpayers who are already stretched thin. By implementing sound financial practices, improving efficiency, and ensuring accountability within our local government, we can better allocate resources to essential services and infrastructure improvements.

Furthermore, I will foster a transparent decision-making process, allowing residents to see clearly how their money is being spent and involve them in prioritizing the community's needs. This approach will help restore trust and confidence in our local government.

By focusing on fiscal responsibility and transparency, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for Hamden, ensuring that our community thrives and that all residents benefit from effective and efficient governance.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The differences in political philosophies and approaches to governance are significant. I advocate for pragmatic solutions that combine fiscal responsibility with social considerations. My approach involves ensuring that public finances are managed efficiently and that economic policies promote growth, while also taking into account the social impact of these policies to build a community that is both prosperous and equitable. I believe in policies that promote economic growth, individual liberty, and limited government intervention, ensuring that the government intervenes only when necessary and that personal freedoms are respected.

In contrast, some approaches emphasize a stronger role for government in providing social services and addressing economic disparities, often focusing on national issues, as well as matters beyond Hamden and even beyond the United States, while many problems at home remain unaddressed. While these approaches aim to address broader issues, they often overlook the immediate and pressing concerns of our local community. These methods and guiding principles differ significantly from mine. I believe my balanced approach aligns more closely with the priorities and values of the 3rd District, with a strong focus on addressing local concerns and improving the day-to-day lives of our residents.

Moreover, I am not a political insider or career politician accountable for the town's financial situation. While others have spent years within the same networks and administrations that have contributed to Hamden's financial difficulties, I offer a fresh perspective and am dedicated to enacting real change. Experience alone isn't enough; it must be effective and constructive to be truly valuable. My background as a Senior Regulatory Analyst equips me with a deep understanding of complex regulatory environments and provides me with the skills necessary to navigate and improve our town’s financial and administrative framework. Additionally, my experience in financial administration and coordinating grant-funded programs reinforces my ability to manage our town’s finances with discipline and transparency.

I believe that my commitment to prioritizing the needs of Hamden residents and ensuring practical, impactful governance sets me apart and makes me the right choice for this post. My focus will always be on our community, striving to address local issues with effective, balanced solutions that promote both economic prosperity and social well-being.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to focusing on fiscal responsibility and efficient management of our town's finances, there are several other critical issues I intend to address during my campaign:

Crime and Safety: Ensuring the safety and security of our residents is a top priority. We all deserve to feel safe in our homes, on our streets, and in our schools. I advocate for a balanced approach that strengthens police-community partnerships and expands community policing. Investing in youth programs that offer positive pathways and purpose for our children is essential to prevent crime and support their development. Additionally, improving neighborhood watch initiatives can empower residents to take an active role in keeping their communities safe. By addressing social issues that often contribute to crime before they escalate, and providing support and resources for mental health, substance abuse prevention, and economic opportunities, we can create a healthier and more resilient community.

Improvement of Basic Services: I will prioritize enhancing the reliability and quality of essential services such as road maintenance, trash collection, leaf pickup, and snow and tree removal. It is critical that residents see tangible improvements in their everyday lives.

Public Safety: Addressing rising concerns of public safety is paramount. This includes implementing effective measures to reduce speeding, car break-ins, and ensuring promised infrastructure like speed bumps and rumble strips are installed promptly.

Infrastructure: Our roads and sidewalks need immediate attention. I will work towards repairing pothole-ridden roads and crumbling sidewalks, ensuring safer and more accessible paths for all residents.

Government Accountability and Transparency: Promoting transparency and accountability within our local government will be a key focus. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and have confidence in the decision-making processes.

Community Engagement: I aim to foster a stronger connection between the local government and the community by encouraging open dialogues and being responsive to residents' concerns. Your voice matters, and I am committed to ensuring that it is heard.

Economic Development: I will advocate for policies that support local businesses and attract new enterprises to Hamden, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities for our community.

These are just a few of the issues I intend to address. My overarching goal is to improve the quality of life for all Hamden residents by implementing practical, impactful solutions that meet our community's needs.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Throughout my 27-year career at Yale University, I have accumulated a wealth of experience that demonstrates my capability to handle this job effectively.

As a Senior Regulatory Analyst with the Human Research Protection Program for the past 10 years, I have focused on ethics and sound decision-making. This role has equipped me with a deep understanding of complex regulatory environments and provided me with the skills necessary to navigate and improve our town’s financial and administrative framework. I coordinate three Institutional Review Board (IRB) meetings and serve as an alternate, non-scientific member on 14 other boards, which speaks to my ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously with a high degree of competence.

In addition to my regulatory work, I have extensive experience in financial administration and coordinating grant-funded programs. This background has reinforced my ability to manage finances with discipline and transparency, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. I have learned how to analyze problems concisely and deliver fast results—skills that are crucial for addressing the challenges we face here in Hamden.

Furthermore, my long-term residence in Hamden, where my husband, Bob, and I have raised our son, Jonathan, and built lasting friendships over the past 40 years, underscores my deep commitment to this community. I am not a political insider or career politician, and I believe that my fresh perspective, combined with my professional experience, positions me well to enact real change.

My accomplishments in regulatory analysis, financial administration, and community involvement are a testament to my ability to handle this job with the practical, balanced approach needed to improve the quality of life for all Hamden residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I've ever received related to being a political candidate is to always stay true to your values and to listen to your constituents. Authenticity and integrity are crucial in earning and maintaining the trust of the community. Additionally, understanding and addressing the concerns of those you aim to represent is the foundation of effective leadership.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Every voice here deserves to be heard, not just during elections, but every day at Town Hall.
I will listen and I will work tirelessly to make sure your concerns become action.

I’m deeply honored to have this opportunity to serve. I’m not running for recognition; I’m running because I care deeply about this community and its future.

I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, confront the challenges ahead, and help make Hamden the best version of itself.

Together, we can restore trust, bring back accountability, and build a stronger, safer, more vibrant Hamden.

Thank you so much for your time, your support, and your faith in our shared future. Together, we can do this.