The Hamden Herald

During a recent Democratic mayoral forum hosted by African American Lodge #024, most candidates echoed expected—and welcome—support for community policing strategies. But for a few, the rhetoric took a sharp turn, echoing right-wing talking points more often heard on Fox News than at a Democratic forum in a racially diverse, working-class town like Hamden.

Instead of focusing on how to strengthen trust and build equity through proven public safety investments—like youth programs, housing security, and mental health resources—some candidates made strong appeals for increased policing, more officers, and a tougher law enforcement presence. These are not progressive solutions.

HAMDEN, CT — Republican mayoral candidate Jonathan Katz has pledged to take what critics are calling a slash-and-burn approach to Hamden’s budget, vowing to gut programs and services under the guise of fiscal “reform.”

In a campaign announcement filled with ominous undertones, Katz called for a “full forensic audit” of Hamden’s finances and promised to eliminate programs he deems unworthy — despite offering no details on what would be cut or who would be impacted.

“I’ll prioritize programs that deliver real results for residents and cut those that don’t,” Katz said, signaling a clear intent to defund community services that don’t meet his personal metrics of value.

Katz’s rhetoric echoes national far-right strategies...