Maya McFadden Photo
Delphine Clyburn, at right in photo, with Doreen Abubakar celebrating the transformation of the Mud Hole into the Learning Corridor.
After nearly a decade representing Newhallville on the Board of Alders, Delphine Clyburn is stepping down as Ward 20 alder.
Board of Alders leadership announced Clyburn’s departure in a Tuesday afternoon email press release.
“After many years of dedicated commitment and service with integrity and civic engagement, Alder Delphine Clyburn has resigned her post as Alder of the 20th Ward,” that statement reads. “We thank her for her service, wish her the best of luck, and look forward to working with her in the future when the opportunity arises.”
The statement is signed: “Board of Alders Leadership.”
After the Board of Alders sent out its press release, Mayor Justin Elicker sent out a press release of his own. That latter email included a copy of Clyburn’s resignation letter, which was dated July 10.
“I am resigning because I have moved out of the ward and per the Charter I must therefore resign,” Clyburn wrote. “I have selected to announce it at this time to allow for the least amount of time to pass for my seat to be vacant and to minimize the cost to the city by avoiding a special election.
“While I am now no longer an Alder, I am always a New Havener!
“I plan to stay involved in continuing the efforts to improve the lives of our residents and the quality of life in our city.”
In his press release, Elicker — a former East Rock/Cedar Hill alder — is quoted as saying, “I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Delphine, first as a fellow Alder, and recently as Mayor. She is a fierce advocate for her constituents, and well respected by her colleagues. I’d like to thank her for answering the call of service. I have no doubt that Delphine will continue to be an active part of our community – and I look forward to working together with her on the mission of making our city one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Clyburn was first elected to the local legislative post as part of a group of successful labor-backed candidates in 2011.
Clyburn, who worked for the state Department of Disability Services, has built a reputation across her 10 years on the board as a staunch advocate for Newhallville’s most marginalized constituents, particularly the low-income and the elderly.
Before and during the pandemic, she was a regular presence at Newhallville resident’s doors—asking constituents what they needed from City Hall, what she could do to help them, and then pressuring the mayoral administration and the public housing authority to do right by Newhallville.
Clyburn played a key role in helping transform the former “Mud Hole” at Shelton Avenue and Hazel Street from a drug hub into an outdoor space called the “Learning Corridor,” home to biking events, classes, and concerts. She also helped clean up and reopen Cherry Ann Park at the New Haven-Hamden border, and helped walk the neighborhood to identify everything from cracked sidewalks to trees in need of trimming.
Laura Glesby photo
Alder Clyburn (at right) checking in on Newhallville residents during Covid.
“She’s helped to bring back respect to Newhallville. … I just really hope that she hangs around for a long time.” Newhallville Community Management Team Chair Kim Harris said at the 2019 launch of Clyburn’s bid for a fifth term in office. “I think people have their hope back.”
The city land records database shows that Clyburn sold her home on Newhall Street on June 7, and bought a condo in City Point on June 17.
What Happens Next?
Clyburn did not respond to multiple requests for comment by the publication time of this article.
Ward 20 Democratic Ward Committee Co-Chair Oscar Havyarimana told the Independent that he and fellow co-chair Barbara Vereen had spoken with Clyburn prior to Tuesday’s announcement.
“I knew she was stepping down,” he said. “We had a talk with her. We will collaborate with the mayor’s office. Everything will be OK.”
He said that the Ward 20 Democratic Ward Committee plans to meet “no later than July 15” to hold a straw-poll vote for mayor, alder, and other citywide elected offices in the run-up to July 27’s Democratic Town Convention.
According to the City Charter, Mayor Elicker is now charged with appointing a successor to complete Clyburn’s term, which runs through the end of the year. He must appoint someone who is of the same party affiliation as Clyburn — a Democrat. And he must appoint a name from a list of three names submitted by the Ward 20 Democratic ward committee.
The mayor must appoint Clyburn’s successor because she is resigning after serving at least 18 months of her current term in office. If she had resigned prior to hitting that 18 month mark — that is, if she had resigned before July 1 — the ward would have had to have a special election no later than 45 days from the effective day of the alder seat becoming vacant.
Two candidates have also recently filed to run for the Democratic nomination for Ward 20 alder for the next full term.
Those candidates are Newhallville community advocates Devin Avshalom-Smith and Shirley Lawrence.