Leng to leave office as Hamden elects new mayor

One of the town’s longest-serving mayors to date, Curt Balzano Leng, is leaving office as the town of Hamden prepares to welcome its new mayor, Lauren Garrett.

After running against the long-term mayor, Leng, in 2019, Garrett won against Republican Ron Gambardella in Tuesday’s race.

Leng has been the mayor of Hamden since May 2015, after winning the general election every two years. 

After being in office for over six years, stepping down is a new chapter for Leng. He recently shared his feelings about leaving office after all this time.

 “It’s unusual. Very mixed emotions. On the one hand, I would have very much liked to continue the success we’ve been delivering, especially regarding the town’s finances and community police enhancements,” Leng said. “On the other hand, I’m excited about what the new chapter brings and how I can work to help people from whatever new role that is.”

Leng said becoming mayor and working to improve Hamden for as long as he did, had a strong impact on him. 

“It was very intense and impactful, like nothing I could have imagined,” Leng said. “It’s extremely rewarding on days and extraordinarily taxing (on) many others.”

As Leng steps down after Garrett’s win, he offers the new mayor some advice moving forward. 

“Communicate with the public, be clear and honest about the town’s financial stability and support our public safety services our residents deeply count on,” Leng said.

Leng also has a few words for Hamden, where he is a lifelong resident. “Thank you for electing me to serve our town’s longest-serving mayor to date, it has been an honor and a great privilege,” Leng said. “I look forward to working with you again in the future for the betterment of our hometown.”

Leng hopes to stay involved in his hometown community to work for its improvement. 

With Leng’s departure, Garrett will be sworn into office on Nov. 28. Garrett gathered 6,653 votes, while Republican candidate Ron Gambardella gathered 5,349.

“I am so pleased with the election outcome, and I am so excited for the change coming Hamden’s way,” said Brian Murphy, Garrett’s campaign manager. “The mayor-elect’s got this, and she’s got the team to do it.”

Leng said the transition into office starting off can be very time and energy-consuming, but it is one of the most important steps after being elected. 

When it comes to the first steps for the newly elected mayor, Garrett and her team have a lot in store for Hamden.

“I’m really excited to see the promises realized, starting with transparency,” Murphy said. “The equity in schools, housing, services, and care. Safety. And how to pay for it while addressing the obligations we’ve been neglecting for a generation.”

Murphy also suggests that Hamden residents do their best to get involved, volunteer, and do what they can to improve the community.

“We all need to bring change together as a town and a big part of this transition phase will be figuring out how each of us can make the most impact,” Murphy said. “I really think everyone should take this time to think how they can help.”