Contributed Photo
Sharon Braz, Zelema Harris, Ephrat Lieblich, Solomon Maye, Mahogany Brooks, Dawn Bliesener, Jason Bartlett, Joe Fekieta, Dennis Serfilippi, Perry Flowers, Earl Ali-Randall, and Pastor Tarolyn Moore.
It looks like Democrats will have primary challengers for Democratic Town Committee co-chair elections come March.
This is thanks to the “New Haven Agenda,” a group that defines itself as a “Democratic club” that hopes to disrupt the Democratic party’s Unite Here-affiliated majority in New Haven.
Jason Bartlett, an organizer of the group, served as former Mayor Toni Harp’s campaign manager and as her youth services director. In a Wednesday press release, Bartlett is quoted as saying that the “New Haven Agenda” prioritizes “empowering community voices not tied to special interests to become involved in the New Haven political process.”
The two co-chairs in each of New Haven’s 30 wards nominate candidates at party conventions and work to increase voter engagement. Petitions to run are available in the Democratic Registrar’s office, and the deadline to file is Jan. 31.
Referencing a recent article in The New Yorker, Bartlett continued, “New Haven politics has become controlled by a monolithic power structure, led by the efforts of the Unite HERE Yale workers union.”
The “New Haven Agenda” has confirmed a slate of 15 candidates who will be running for ward co-chair, some of whom have experience challenging incumbent Democrats:
“Former attorney Sharon Braz and Zelema Harris in East Shore’s Ward 18, where the current Alder received less than a majority of votes in the 2023 Alder race.
Restaurateur Ephrat Lieblich in Beaver Hills’ Ward 28.
Get Em Boy Boxing gym owner Solomon Maye in Newhallville’s Ward 19.
Pastor Tarolyn Moore in Newhallville’s Ward 20.
Business owner Mahogany Brooks in the Hill’s Ward 5 and Martha Dilone in Ward 3.
Lawyer and former probate judge candidate Jerry Barber in Upper Westville’s Ward 26.
Artist Joe Fekieta and New Haven educator, graduate student, and dancer Earl Ali-Randall in Ward 4.
Community activist and former member of the Hill to Downtown Development Steering Committee Dawn Bliesener in Downtown’s Ward 7.
Former Director of Youth Services and State Representative Jason Bartlett in City Point’s Ward 6.
Former Westville Aldermanic candidate, city financial watchdog, and native New Havener Dennis Serfilippi in Westville’s Ward 25.
Re-entry activist Perry Flowers in West Hills’ Ward 30.
Ward committee member and Quinnipiac East resident Carlena Lee in Ward 12.”