New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Elicker releases first ad, gets Public Works support
NEW HAVEN — Mayoral candidate Justin Elicker’s first campaign ad promises residents he will work to provide the “tools and support” that all children need to be successful in school.
It depicts shots of his oldest daughter, Molly, 5, as her mother, Natalie Elicker, fixes her hair, while a snack of apples and organic peanut butter is being prepared for her first day of kindergarten in a New Haven elementary school.
The ad is in sharp contrast to the one issued by Mayor Toni Harp’s campaign that misstates Elickers’ position on the use of drones and a vote on the school budget he cast as the East Rock alderman.
“Back when I was a teacher, I used to look forward to the first day of school more than any other. The curiosity and energy of my students was infectious. I didn’t think anything could top it. That’s until Natalie and I dropped our daughter off for her first day at her
New Haven elementary school.
“I’m running for mayor of New Haven because I want every family to know they will have the support and tools they need to get their kids through that first school year and every school year that follows. I’m Justin Elicker and approve this message because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Elicker says.
Elicker also on Thursday received the support of the Public Works employees, the first group of city workers to back the challenger to the mayor.
In the letter, the Public Works employees listed concerns around the current administration:
It said for years the public works facility has been stabilized by many support beams, causing real concern of a structure collapse within their workplace; increasing costs of employee health insurance remain unchecked, leaving New Haven employees and residents footing the bill; and staffing shortages in the refuse division continue to take a toll on employees who are forced daily to do more with less.
The city does have capital funds to replace the Public Works building with the help of the state, it said.
“New Haven can do better, and deserves a mayor who will diligently fight to address the serious concerns facing our great City; with passion, conviction and transparency,” stated Dave Lawlor, local President of New Haven Public Works, in the letter.