Independent Candidate Drops Out Of Mayoral Race In Hamden

Hamden CT

22 September, 2021

3:47 PM

Description

HAMDEN, CT — Independent candidate Al Lotto has dropped out of the race to be Hamden's next mayor. Lotto cited pressure from "important" people in town and "venomous" messages he received as reasons for his decision, according to a statement on his campaign's Facebook page. He had petitioned his way onto the ballot for the municipal election by collecting the required signatures in August. With Lotto exiting the race, there are two candidates remaining on the ballot – Democrat Lauren Garrett and Republican Ron Gambardella. Garrett defeated three-term incumbent Mayor Curt Balzano Leng in the Democratic primary election last week. Lotto, who launched the Hamden Crime Watchers Facebook page earlier this year, said the new political climate in the U.S. is for "one side to disapprove of the other so much they vote for whomever is on the opposite side." "I'm not disliked by many Yet," Lotto wrote in a post on the Hamden Needs Lotto Facebook page. "In fact, I'm appreciated. With the extremely strong feelings about the other two candidates the people that dislike Lauren will vote for Ron and vice versa. "Over the last two weeks I received endless amounts of phone calls from several 'important' people in town who expressed that there could only be two parties in this race." Lotto said he was receiving lots of support and had requests for around 100 lawn signs in two days and "donations pouring in based on my character and my online presence alone. I didn't even upload an actual platform as of yet." "The truth is They strong armed me out," Lotto wrote. "It was strongly suggested I step away and support another candidate. When I chose to trudge forward I began receiving many calls and texts from members of this community with venomous opinions of not only myself but my family members. I assure you I expected this, let's face it that's politics, but my family has and will always be my first priority at all costs. My children come before politics. "With my team by my side I said it would be a cold day in hell and I walked away with my dignity." Lotto told his supporters to "decide for yourself." "Do what you think is best and good luck," he wrote. "I have no reason to lie. I am not and was never looking for a career in politics. "Thanks to the powers that be I'm out of this race. For the well being of my health and my family. Hamden will never change for the better because players on both sides have the power and rule it. You and I don't matter. But at the end of the day none of these people can blame me for the outcome. "Our streets are riddled with crime, our schools are falling apart and our mil rate is forcing people out of their homes, But the focus for some remains power." Lotto thanked his supporters and said he has no big ego or agenda and only wants to "help make this town a better place and transparent." "This town is in crisis and the call from residents is what I had intended to offer by throwing my hat in the ring, a voice for the working class residents of this community," Lotto wrote. "I have worked hard through the years In this community and built Hamden Crime Watchers for the intent of building a bridge for communication. As many know we can't fit the picture perfect for everyone and therefore I became a 'threat' to both parties. The inundation of calls and texts are all part of the job, I assure you with this comes support and of course haters along the way. As some of you know I have a thick skin and capable of navigating through it all, Anticipated it frankly. But there is a line for all of us when it comes to family and children." Lotto said it's been his "distinct honor and joy to have had this opportunity to have met so many people of this town along the way." "My biggest take away will always be meeting so many of you who have touched my life with not only your stories, but allowing me to talk with you and sharing your stories with me," he wrote. "I guess I didn't fit into the agenda of 'for the better of Hamden.' I will be taking a break from social media to enjoy life for Me for a change."