Markeshia Ricks Photo
Harp last week delivering the annual State of the City address.
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp filed papers Thursday at the city clerk’s office to run for a fourth two-year term, and issued Valentine’s Day message to fellow Democrats with a nod to the Rev. Al Green..
The filing lists Jonathan Peter Wilson as her campaign treasurer and mayoral aide Andrea Scott as deputy treasurer.
Harp also issued a public announcement to fellow Democrats about her campaign, with a Valentine’s Day theme about her love for the city.
She cited accomplishments from her first three terms, from the removal of a longstanding fencing blocking the Brookside public-housing development from Hamden, to lowered unemployment and crime rates.
“We have accomplished so much. Hand in hand. We are tackling problems of today, while preparing for a brighter tomorrow. We’ve seen some highs, and we’ve seen lows. But together, we have navigated the troubled waters we had to cross. Because that is love,” Harp’s message read. (It appears in full lower down in this story.)
The message quotes R&B legend the Rev. Al Green’s 1971 hit “Let’s Stay Together”: “Loving you whether times are good or bad or happy or sad.”
New Haven Land Trust Executive Director Justin Elicker has also filed papers to run as a Democrat in a primary against Harp, a rematch from their 2013 race. Elicker sent out an email message this week citing the example of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in appealing for donations of upt o $370 to help him qualify for public financing under the city’s Democracy Fund program; Harp has said she is not participating in the program.
“In 2016, Bernie Sanders rallied millions around ending the current political campaign finance system that is corrupt and increasingly controlled by billionaires and special interests. And today, virtually every serious Democratic candidate for President is swearing off contributions from corporate PACs, federal lobbyists, and super PACs,” Elicker wrote.
“My commitment to getting big money out of politics has never wavered. That’s why I pledged to participate in the New Haven Democracy Fund on the first day of this campaign. When I’m elected you will know that every decision I make will be rooted in what’s best for New Haven, NOT what’s best for my campaign donors.”
Another potential Democratic opponent, Liam Brennan, told the Independent Wednesday that he has decided not to run for mayor. Harp this week nominated him for a seat on the Board of Education.
And activist Wendy Hamilton was out Thursday collecting petitions on signatures to qualify for the general election ballot in November as an independent mayoral candidate.
Text Of Harp’s Message
My fellow Democrats –
Today is a day to talk about love. Love is what binds us; love is what binds this city. When I moved to New Haven to attend Yale University, I fell for this city. It’s definitely my type. I found my perfect match. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart. As your Mayor, New Haven IS my heart.
I have served proudly, honorably, and lovingly as your Mayor since I was sworn into office just over 5 years ago. For five years I’ve worked tirelessly and with devotion to be mayor for all New Haven. As a byproduct of these partnerships, and our collective labor of love, New Haven has reached new heights, and new opportunities beckon.
And I feel like the luckiest person to say this once again: I’d like to be yours.
Today, I’m eager to share a little secret with you: I filed to run for re-election – hoping to serve a fourth term as mayor of my heart and soul: The City of New Haven.
We have accomplished so much. Hand in hand. We are tackling problems of today, while preparing for a brighter tomorrow. We’ve seen some highs, and we’ve seen lows. But together, we have navigated the troubled waters we had to cross. Because that is love.
In my first term it was a priority to end symbols of hate. The only way we grow is with love. United. Not divided. That is why we took down that horrible fence separating us from friends and neighbors in Hamden. Because that is love.
For many years city residents had to grin and bear the constant sound of gunfire from a local gun range. We agreed that wasn’t the environment we wanted children to become accustomed to. It is not a symbol of our values. So, we relocated the gun range to a safe location, out of earshot from working families and children. Because that is love.
I have worked tirelessly with teachers, administrators, students, and people from all walks of life to create opportunity for young people and help provide for them a pathway to success. New Haven’s graduation rate is has increased to 79%, and we worked together to make city streets safer with about a 50% reduction in crime. Because that is love.
Over the past five years, jobs are up, unemployment is down, and affordable housing has increased. Because that is love.
Love is hard work. But you know what? Love is worth the effort – that rare commodity treasured all the more while it’s given away.
When I think of New Haven and filing for reelection on Valentine’s Day, I think of the legendary musician, Al Green, who sang: ‘Let me be the one you come running to. I’ll never be untrue. Let’s stay together. Loving you whether times are good or bad or happy or sad.’
For all these reasons I humbly ask for your endorsement over the coming months, so we can continue this great thing we have going.
I look forward to reconnecting with you all soon, as you know I have an open door policy.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Democratically Yours,
Mayor Toni N. Harp
Wow. I don't know if I've ever seen a local candidate who has engendered less love. Hats off to the PR team who knew V Day would be a good day to release this statement so that it could be full of empty rhetoric and repetition rather than any serious content.