Allan Appel File Photo
Wooster Square Alderman Michael Smart ended speculation Wednesday about his plans to toss his hat into the ring for a state legislative seat.
“No,” he said on Wednesday. “I’m not going to run.”
Smart was considering entering the race for state representative for the 96th General Assembly District, which covers parts of New Haven and Hamden. The seat will be vacated by State Rep. Cam Staples at the end of this term. Three candidates have emerged: East Rock Alderman Roland Lemar, East Rock psychologist Debra Hauser, and Hamden historian John Morrison.
Smart said he decided not to run because he is busy with “ongoing business ventures.” Smart runs a shoe store that’s in the process of moving locations. He said he is also busy in the summer with “greenspace” projects.
Smart said he hasn’t decided which candidate to support, but plans to make that decision in the next couple of weeks.
Lemar, Hauser and Morrison are set to square off tonight in their only scheduled public debate at the CTV studios in Hamden. It will be broadcast live on Comcast CTV Channel 26 at 8 p.m.
The Independent will live-blog the event starting at 7:30 p.m.