Mayor Leng Announces Mayoral Re-Election Bid

Hamden CT

02 August, 2021

11:10 AM

Description

Press release from the Leng Campaign: Aug. 2, 2021 Mayor Curt Balzano Leng has announced his intention to seek re-election in the upcoming Democratic Primary, and today announces the first addition to the LENG FOR HAMDEN Ticket: MELINDA SALLER, lifelong Hamden resident, 25-year Site Procurement Operations Manager at Watson Foods Inc., longtime local real estate agent for the Greater New Haven area, current Hamden Board of Education Secretary, past Vice President for the State of Connecticut PTA, past Hamden PTA Council President and past West Woods PTA President, has joined the Campaign seeking the Office of Town Clerk. Mayor Curt Leng commented on the growing LENG FOR HAMDEN coalition, "Serving as Mayor and having the opportunity to lead and represent our hometown has been a true honor. These past two years have been extremely challenging, from tornadoes to tropical storms, financial challenges and a global pandemic, but we are still fighting and working hard for Hamden. Ensuring that our residents remain informed, have strong essential public services, and have confidence that a team of experienced and caring professionals are always prepared for every pitch thrown and challenge presented is our highest responsibility. Our work isn't finished yet. I am thrilled to announce that Melinda Saller, current Hamden Board of Education Secretary, past Hamden PTA Council President and past West Woods PTA President, has joined the Campaign seeking the Office of Town Clerk. This is what local government is all about; helping your neighbors with a strong team of experienced professionals and trusted community partners. Melinda and I are committed to working each and every day to provide for safety for our neighborhoods, making sure that Hamden's essential services are always prepared to have every single resident's back." SALLER also commented, "I am running for Town Clerk because I want the best for the future of Hamden. This election is about moderation versus extremism, supporting police and public safety, and making Hamden a safe place for all residents in every district. Mayor Leng knows this, and he has been a tireless advocate for increasing public safety in Hamden, rather than cutting back as other democratic candidates for mayor would prefer. I'm honored to represent the people of Hamden, and I have enormous confidence in our platform and the spirit of our campaign" Leng further addressed his plans for re-election, speaking directly to residents, "I have given a lot of thought deciding if I should run for re-election. Given the current field of democratic candidates, I really feel a duty to run, because residents of Hamden deserve a choice. They deserve a choice between extremism and moderation. That's what this Primary Election comes down to. Residents deserve a choice between candidates who are anti-police and who have shown consistent and blatant disrespect for law enforcement, and a candidate who supports safety for every resident. This is a choice between having local government leadership that our residents can trust to be standing-by, ready to serve at a moment's notice. In times of crisis there's simply no time for on-the-job training, and experience matters. This is a choice between platforms and voting records that show repeated support and obsession with drastic tax increases, contrasted with my position that these increases have been too much, too fast and must be reduced. I am running for re-election so our residents can have a voice to express both what is important to them, and who best reflects their values and judgment. This election is an important one in our community's history – make no mistake. Unfortunately, the new leadership of the local Democratic Town Committee were ardent supporters of my opponent and supported seriously questionable judgment displayed and extreme anti-police positions taken by Mrs. Garrett. Hamden residents deserve to have choices and deserve to be heard. All of them." Leng continued, "That said, after two years unlike any other in recent history, we are poised to continue improving Hamden's finances, implementing true community policing and violence prevention efforts, expanding services for those in need and those in crisis, and partnering to create a Youth Center that our young people need and deserve. I also make a commitment to work to lower our too high taxes, now that our financial house is on a stronger foundation. It's the right thing to do for our homeowners and the right choice for Hamden's future. Hamden is an amazing Town with terrific people and limitless potential. Our campaign has decided to bring this choice straight to the Hamden voters, so they can all have their voices heard. This is not a decision that should be made by 50 people in a smoke filled back-room. Let's have a robust debate. Our residents deserve facts, not fictional political talking points repeated again and again, but for which too often ignore or manipulate the truth. The truth matters. Facts matter. Government is not a game. It's not theoretical. You need a team ready to fight for, serve and protect our residents. I know our team can continue doing this, prepared for whatever is thrown at us." This press release was produced by the Leng Campaign. The views expressed here are the author's own.