Cavaliere at the union’s July 9 mayoral debate at the Marchegian Club.
New Haven Police Union Local 530 Tuesday morning announced its endorsement of the mayoral candidacy of Toni Harp.
Meanwhile, the Harp campaign announced it has already collected enough signatures of registered Democrats (2,406) to earn a spot on the Sept. 10 Democratic primary ballot. Three other Democrats — Justin Elicker, Henry Fernandez, and Kermit Carolina — are also petitioning to make the ballot.
Local 530 held its first-ever mayoral debate before voting to make an endorsement. Union President Lou Cavaliere Jr. promised the union would provide “on-the-ground support” for Harp’s campaign.
“After several face-to-face meetings and feedback from the membership, Toni Harp was the only candidate that has expressed compassion towards the New Haven police officers,” a union press release quoted Cavaliere as saying. “Toni has vowed to aid New Haven police officers in acquiring the necessary tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. She has also been outspoken in making modifications to the benefit packages officers receive in the efforts of maintaining their own families.”
Meanwhile, in the wake of controversy over Harp’s family’s real-estate business, her campaign has hired a veteran Capitol press hand to try to change the subject: click here for a report on that by the Register’s Rachel Chinapen.