Thomas MacMillan Photo
As Matt Smith was crowned the Democratic party nominee for Roland Lemar’s freshly vacant aldermanic seat, an opponent vowed to give East Rock a competitive election in November.
Smith won his party’s nomination in a vote by 35 members of the Democratic Party ward committee in Ward 9.
The vote took place Thursday night at a special meeting of the ward committee at New Haven Academy on Orange Street. The only order of business was to elect a nominee to run for the ward’s aldermanic seat, occupied until that day by Roland Lemar. After he won the Democratic nomination in the race for state representative of the 96th General Assembly District, and with no opponents in sight, Lemar officially resigned from the Board of Alderman on Thursday.
Smith (pictured), a 36-year-old graphic designer, beat out two other contenders for his party’s blessing to fill Lemar’s seat. He faced East Rock PTA leader Jane Edelstein and former union organizer Jessica Holmes. After the vote, Edelstein threw her support behind Smith.
But Holmes, who’s 31, promised to petition her way onto the ballot and to campaign for another five and half weeks.
The special election to replace Lemar will take place on Nov. 2, when nutmeggers are set to vote in closely watched competitions for open seats for governor and U.S. Senate, among other statewide offices.
Smith won Thursday’s contest with 19 of 35 votes. Edelstein had 11, including, presumably, her own (she is a member of the committee). Holmes had five votes.
Smith said his campaign will focus on two main issues: taxes and education. He said he wants to “redefine education in East Rock beyond Hooker.” That means rebuilding the East Rock Global Magnet School and making it a top school. To avoid property tax increases, the city needs to be more aggressive about finding new revenue streams, like raising parks fees and getting insurance compensation on the fire departments emergency medical service calls, he said.
“This is actually probably the most powerful vote you’ll ever cast,” announced ward Democratic co-chair Paul Wessel. East Rock, including Ward 9, plays a big role in city government, he said.
One by one, in order of their birthdays (not birth years) the candidates made their pitches. Although their policy positions were largely similar, the candidates distinguished themselves by their manners of delivery. Edelstein (pictured) was first, and began by rattling off her resume, which includes a host of positions in state and municipal government, then efficiently articulated her positions on taxes, education, and charter revision.
Smith followed, and began on a more personal note, with the story of his parents moving to East Rock 40 years ago. He spoke about his New Haven education, from St. Stanislaus school through Wilbur Cross and Yale University, and his passion for the community before introducing his policies on schools, fiscal responsibility, and business development.
“Look, I know this neighborhood. I care about its future,” Smith said, with gusto. He pledged to return all constituent phone calls and emails within 48 hours. “I ask for your support so I can get to work.”
Holmes (pictured) was the only candidate to speak from notes alone, not fully prepared remarks. Instead of policy proposals, she spoke in terms of three areas of experience she can offer: organizing, working on budgets, and being accessible. Her experience working for unions would help her to build teams as an alderman and engage people in the legislative process, she said. She said her several years working in Atlantic City for a health fund for 25,000 people gave her the skills to find innovation in budgets.
A question-and-answer session with committee members revealed acres of common ground between the candidates. They agreed on not adding an extra burden on downtown club owners by asking them to pay for more policing. They agreed that a residency law or commuter tax for city employees who live out of town were worth investigating. They all said they were in favor of term limits and reining in city spending. While critical of tax assessor Bill O’Brien, the three candidates agreed it was premature to call for him to be fired.
Some sharp differences did emerge, however, when coffee shop owner Duncan Goodall asked if the candidates could pledge to fight for no increase in city taxes.
“Zero percent increase. And I would go to the mat for it,” Edelstein said, without hesitation.
Smith also promised to hit the mat to prevent tax increases.
But Holmes declined to take the plunge. She said she couldn’t make such a commitment until she looked at the budget. She said she wanted to ensure the city has enough of a surplus to protect its bond rating and make it easy to borrow money in the future.
After the votes had been counted (pictured) and Smith proclaimed the winner, Holmes announced she plans to head down to the city clerk’s office and begin the process of getting on the ballot in November. She’ll need to secure signatures from registered Ward 9 voters.
According to state rules, Holmes needs to collect signatures equal to 1 percent of the votes cast for the same office at the last election. Lemar was reelected in 2009 with 378 votes.
Having multiple candidates is a good thing for a race, Holmes said. “It’s part of how we improve turnout for Democrats,” she said.
Holmes said she was not disappointed in her showing in the election. “I’m actually thrilled,” she said. “Five people is actually a really good foot in the door.”
She said she plans to look for union support in her campaign. “I will be going back to people I worked with before. … I hope to get their support.”
Hugh Baran, who works for Locals 34 and 35 at Yale, said those unions had not yet made a decision whom to support in the race.
Smith said his deep roots in East Rock may have made the difference in his victory. “I know the area. I was born and raised here. It’s really strong qualifier for East Rock.”
He welcomed the next election. “It is a great thing for democracy. … I’m looking forward to a spirited campaign.”
Lemar said he will be working to ensure Smith is elected, as Smith worked on his recent campaign. Lemar said that although Holmes is a good candidate, “I think Matt will be better.”
Lemar’s tenure as alderman was celebrated with a cake that read “Thank You! Roland.”
As the meeting wrapped up, teetotal Smith said he was off to Christopher Martin’s for a celebratory Diet Coke.
Totaling up the vote.