In the final debate for the Hamden mayoral election on Oct. 28, Democrat candidate Lauren Garrett, Republican candidate Ron Gambardella, and write-in Independent candidate Al Lotto discussed pressing issues for Hamden such as finances and crime.
The League of Women Voters of Hamden-North Haven hosted the debate on Zoom and at the end, released a statement in the chat regarding the inclusion of Al Lotto in the debate.
Lotto dropped out of the mayoral race on Sept. 23, after receiving “venomous” messages about his family, but decided to run again on Oct. 20, as a write-in candidate.
“This was compelling given the fact that he had qualified to be an Independent candidate for mayor … then withdrew his candidacy,” the league wrote. “Based on his history as a candidate, we decided to include him in this debate.”
Finances and economic development in Hamden was the most discussed topic throughout the debate. The moderator, Carol Reimers, who is on the board of directors for the League of Women Voters of the East Shore asked the candidates several questions about how they would reduce Hamden’s debt if they were elected.
Hamden has the most debt per capita ($19,021) in Connecticut, according to a state report. The town’s bond rating is Baa3, which is the second-lowest possible.
Gambardella said that the best way to improve Hamden’s financial status is to increase business in the town. He said that the only way to attract more business in Hamden is by reducing the crime rate, which is 2.5% in Hamden, according to Neighborhood Scout.
Garrett explained how she would solve Hamden’s financial crisis by improving the town’s credit and bond ratings, as well as boosting the economy.
“It’s time for a 21st century economy,” Garrett said.
She responded to Gambardella’s comments about crime affecting business in Hamden by saying “the crime rates were higher 20 years ago and business was better.”
Lotto said reducing tax rates and improving communication with Hamden residents for the town is the most important thing for improving the town’s finances.
“The same people have been running Hamden for 20 years,” Lotto said.
The candidates delved into public safety, all agreeing that expanding the police force was necessary, since the Hamden Police Department is understaffed.
While talking about his ideas to reduce crime in Hamden, Gambardella said that Garrett was “soft on crime,” continuing to explain what he thought she believed about Hamden’s public safety.
Garrett responded by saying she could speak for herself. Gambardella did this again later in the debate, saying what Garrett allegedly believed about making housing more affordable for residents in Hamden, saying her plans would “disrupt” the town.
“It seems like (Gambardella) wants to speak for me,” Garrett said.
Male politicians speaking for their female counterparts is a recurring theme, said Quinnipiac University associate professor of legal studies, Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox.
“There have been many studies that have shown that women are frequently interrupted by men when they are speaking in a professional or business setting,” Gadkar-Wilcox said. “There are a number of gendered expectations of female politicians as well, such as having to constantly prove their ability to lead.”
Christina Crowder, a Hamden resident, said she was glad Garrett responded directly to Gambardella’s comments.
“By calling him out, she drew attention to what he had done, and showed that she wasn’t going to passively let him get away with it,” Crowder said.
Former Chair of the Hamden Planning and Zoning commission Ann Altman said that the differences in behavior between Gambardella and Garrett were apparent.
“You saw the mansplaining, it was typical and outrageous,” Altman said.
She also mentioned that Lotto treated both of his opponents with respect, and that Gambardella could “learn a lot from him.”
The debate closed with candidates emphasizing their final points, each of them focusing on a specific area of finances.
Garrett said if she is elected she will prioritize making Hamden residents feel welcome, with the hope of bolstering business.
Lotto said he will work to get Hamden’s finances under control by being transparent with his constituents.
Gambardella said he would immediately conduct an audit in Hamden as well as expand the police force if he is elected.
The election is Nov. 2 and all residents will have an opportunity to vote in either their local district or with absentee ballots. Gambardella and Garrett will be listed on the ballot, so if residents want to vote for Lotto or incumbent Mayor Curt Balzano Leng they have to write their names in.
To watch a recording of the debate, visit the League of Women Voters of Connecticut YouTube page here.