New Haven Independent

Name: Craig Williams
Where: Selling incense at a table outside Concord 9 jewelers.
At being shown a picture of DeStefano: “Everybody knows John. He’s running for governor, and I hope he makes it.”
And Rell: “Everybody knows who she is, too. She’s running the place.”
And Malloy: “I think he’s the mayor of West Haven; I don’t know his name.”
Whom he likes and why: “I know I don’t like [Jodi Rell]. She used a criminal act for getting herself into office, to do for rich people. She doesn’t have respect for regular citizens. I would vote for [DeStefano] in a heartbeat. For years I’ve been hoping he makes it to governor. I think he’d do more of what he’s done for the city of New Haven: good things for regular people.”

Name: Tony Lopez
Where: At work in Expressions shoe and clothing store.
At being shown a picture of DeStefano: “That’s the mayor.”
And Rell: “That’s the governor, Jodi Rell. I read the news.”
And Malloy: “He works for the news, right? Oh yeah, Malloy.”
Whom he likes and why: “I wouldn’t vote for any of them. They’ve got the same intolerance, the same neglect for the inner city. There’s no support system for the youth, no programs for a kid to elevate his mind. Look at the murder rate in Hartford! And no wonder. That’s the capitol, and there’s not even a movie theater downtown. Where’s the money at?”

Name: Rosalie Bryan
Where: Buying a hat near the corner of Chapel and Orange streets.
At being shown a picture of DeStefano: “That’s John. I was there when he got sworn in — and he always gives me a kiss on the cheek.”
And Rell: “I don’t know much about her.”
And Malloy: “I’ve seen him, but I can’t remember…”
Who she likes and why: John DeStefano. “I see him regularly, and he always greets me. He’s nice, and he believes in the right thing.”

Name: Glen “S” (a CT transit worker, not pictured)
Where: Looking at jeans in Rendezvous clothing store
At being shown a picture of DeStefano: “That’s John DeStefano, He was doing all right for New Haven, until he gave it all away to Yale. He came in like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
And Rell: “Governor Rell? She’s doing all right — she’s better than that crook — but she’s not looking out for people of color. All this talk of immigration, but what about Caribbean people, West Indian people [like me]? What makes Mexicans special?”
And Malloy: “He’s the West Haven candidate, isn’t he? Him, too [on the question of immigration]: all he wants is cheap labor.”
Whom he likes and why: “None would get my vote. All of them are looking out for people who are not my people. Not my interests. They’re looking out for big people’s interests.”

Name: Christine Aberdeen (from Barbados)
Where: Working at Rendezvous clothing store.
At being shown a picture of DeStefano: “That’s our mayor. He’s doing a good job.”
And Rell: “Oh, the governor? She’s done a good job, too.”
And Malloy: (Head shake of non-recognition)
Whom she likes and why: “Oh, they’re all running for governor? I would like [DeStefano] to be governor. He talks straight. About the schools, he does a good job. Tell him to keep up the good work — and to remember me!”