nothin Shah Stepping Down | New Haven Independent

Shah Stepping Down

Paul Bass Photo

In another sign of a changing political landscape in town, West River Alderman Yusuf Shah announced Wednesday that he’s retiring at year’s end.

Shah (pictured), who has represented Ward 23 for 10 years, made the announcement a day after a challenger for his seat, Tyisha Walker, won the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement over the incumbent. Walker is one of a slew of Yale union-affiliated and union-backed candidates running for seats on the Board of Aldermen this year independent of the DeStefano administration and the Democratic Party establishment.

Shah had begun to run for re-election but will now discontinue his campaign, effective immediately.

The ward really wanted a change in leadership,” Shah, who’s 50 and the only Muslim on the Board of Aldermen, acknowledged during a mini-press conference at Hill Health Center, where he works as a medical case manager for people with AIDS and HIV. Their definition of what an alderman should be had changed. I no longer fit that definition.”

Over his five terms on the board, Shah rose to the influential position of Finance Committee chair, overseeing stormy, extensive budget hearings. He also emerged as a key supporter of Mayor John DeStefano.

Former neighborhood supporters who ditched him this year complained he wasn’t visible enough in the ward, he acknowledged. A good alderman is an alderman who sweeps the pavement and does street clean-ups [according to some of his detractors]. I’ve only basically heard, Where’s Yusuf?’ Well, Yusuf was downtown taking care of business” and dealing with citywide issues as well as those more narrowly affecting West River.

Democratic Town Chairwoman Susie Voigt said Wednesday afternoon that she doesn’t know of any other candidates planning to join the race. The DeStefano forces have two weeks to find someone to collect signatures in order to qualify for the Sept. 13 Democratic Party ballot.

I have not even met Tyisha yet,” Voigt said when asked if she’ll back Walker.

Shah, too, demurred when asked if he’ll back Walker.

I don’t think she can fill my shoes in one term,” he said. I honestly don’t believe she’s going to create jobs in West River,” Shah said. He added that he hasn’t heard” any real” plans for reducing crime.

On the other hand, he said, I respect her. If she asks for my support, I will consider it.”

Asked what he’s proudest of accomplishing over his decade in office, Shah cited his stewardship of the Finance Committee as well as his successful efforts to rename streets after people like the late Rev. Dr. Curtis Cofield and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. (The event marking the latter naming is pictured below.)

Thomas MacMillan File Photo

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