Markeshia Ricks Photo
Charles Decker, center, during 2017 Local 33 protest fast.
Charles Decker is moving out of Ward 9 — and therefore resigning as the ward’s alder.
Decker Wednesday formally informed the mayor’s office of the resignation, which takes effect immediately. He’s moving Thursday, he wrote in the resignation letter.
The city will conduct a special election for Ward 9 alder by Oct. 16, as required by the charter, according to mayoral spokesperson Len Speiller. The ward includes portions of the East Rock and Fair Haven neighborhoods.
“[I]t is with sadness that I hereby submit my resignation from the New Haven Board of Alders,” Decker wrote.
First elected in 2017 while studying for his political science PhD at Yale, Decker played an active party in fashioning affordable-housing legislation and advocated for support of labor. He has also served on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
In his resignation letter, Decker, a former vice-president of the graduate-student teacher UNITE HERE Local 33 union, expressed pride in having “played a part” in the alders’ “serious action on the affordable housing crisis, good jobs for New Haven residents, a safe city, and ensuring that nonprofit partners pay their fair share.”
Noting that “much more work” remains, Decker added, “I have full confidence that our legislative agenda remains in good hands.” He could not be immediately reached for contact about where he’s moving.