Democrat supporting Hamden Republican

As former Democratic town chairman, I believe in helping whomever I can when I can. I support unions, teachers and many of the social programs the Democratic Party has introduced over the years. I am grateful to live in a town that has seen Democrats sitting in the mayor’s office for the past 20 years. I also listen very carefully to what politicians say and what politicians do.

Lauren Garrett has won the support of the Hamden Democratic Town Committee. I wasn’t too surprised as she was able to replace town committee Democrats with her supporters who are leaning more and more to the left. I am concerned that the new Democratic Party also seems to be on the verge of embracing socialism. Ms. Garrett embodies the very essence of socialism as witnessed by her ardent support of Bernie Sanders, her stance on diminishing the police force, her persistent and insistent claims that the entire town is racist and her philosophy of building high-density, lowincome housing throughout all of Hamden and especially northern Hamden. I am concerned that her core beliefs will influence her every decision further dividing Hamden by instituting radical left-wing policies.

Given my concerns, I have decided to break from voting Democrat this election cycle and will be voting for Ron Gambardella. While I do not agree with everything he has stated, his agenda appears to me to be moderate, appealing to Democrats, independents and Republicans. In short, he seems to have all of Hamden’s residents in mind and not just Republicans. I think it’s time for healing and coming together as a community. I just don’t see Lauren having the demeanor, foresight and ability to achieve these goals. She doesn’t have the work or supervising experience to be mayor.

Bill Lavelle Hamden