Sam Gurwitt Photo
Hamden Mayor Curt Leng.
Hamden’s teachers union Wednesday announced that it has endorsed Mayor Curt Leng’s reelection campaign.
The endorsement vote by the union’s Representative Council was unanimous, according to Hamden Education Association President Diane Marinaro.
“Our endorsement is based on Mayor Leng’s integrity, honesty, and advocacy for public education and the teachers in Hamden,” Marinaro stated in a release. “We urge all teachers — whether they teach in Hamden or other communities — to support Mayor Leng in his candidacy, and we hope parents will join us.”
Leng faces a potential Democratic primary challenge from Council member Lauren Garrett and a general election challenge by Republican Jay Kaye in his quest for a third two-year term. His administration negotiated pension changes with the teachers union and supported creating universal pre‑K. This term also saw the crafting of a once-in-a-generation school redistricting plan.
This was a top down predetermined decision and doesn't reflect the sentiment of the rank and file. The membership was denied the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates. Many teachers understand that the path the current administration is on is a fast track to the MARB (State receivership). We saw what happened in Waterbury and we don't want that here in Hamden. Reflexive endorsements of the status quo is not what we need now.