{news} Mayoral foes disagree on what's best for city

Tue Oct 2 05:55:40 EDT 2007

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18873697&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=7576&rfi=6<http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18873697&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=7576&rfi=6>

Mayoral foes disagree on what's best for city 
Abram Katz, Register Staff

10/02/2007

NEW HAVEN - The candidates for mayor agreed on several points during their debate Monday evening at Gateway Community College: Crime is bad, development is good and education is paramount. 

But Mayor John DeStefano Jr., Republican Town Chairman Rick Elser and Green Party candidate Ralph Ferrucci had dramatically different visions on how to bolster New Haven's economy, safety and well-being.

None of the candidates raised his voice or ruffled feathers during the 75-minute debate before an audience of about 75 supporters, unaffiliated citizens and Gateway students.

DeStefano played to his strength as the seven-term incumbent, contending that housing, public schools and development have surged during his 14-year tenure.

Elser hammered away at the high property tax rate and opaque development deals, arguing that spending must be controlled and independence of the Board of Aldermen restored.

Ferrucci counterpunched, blaming Democratic domination for most of New Haven's ills.

Gateway psychology students assigned to analyze the debate sat on the floor and scribbled intently as the three groups of supporters left the room in loose packs.

The consensus among the students was that DeStefano presented his opinions well, rarely responding directly to the other candidates' criticisms. Elser got high marks for intelligence and smooth delivery, while Ferrucci struck some as a little nervous and a bit tongue-tied.

Questioners were Paul Bass, of the New Haven Independent; Andy Bromage, editor of the New Haven Advocate; Angela Carter, reporter for the New Haven Register; Hernando Diosa, of La Voz Hispania; and N'Zinga Shani, whose 21st century conversations show appears on CPT and public access television.

Candidates answered questions, responded to one another's answers; and asked each other questions.

All vowed to improve public education, cut crime and prime the economy.

DeStefano defended city spending, including a proposed $20 million increase, pointing out that 88 percent of the budget goes to personnel such as teachers, firefighters and police officers.

Elser said spending must be brought under control to prevent property taxes from rising. Responding to another question about the lopsided majority of registered Democrats to Republicans in New Haven, he said, "The Republican Party has done a disservice over the years. Both the Democrats and Republicans are losing their relevance."

Ferrucci said that continued Democratic control of New Haven all but stifles the chance for reforms. 

Few responses raised eyebrows, although DeStefano suggested that he will appeal to the state government for law changes to permit expansion of Tweed New Haven Regional Airport in East Haven.

Ferrucci said Tweed has no chance of success, regardless of the length of the runways. "Tweed will always be a failure. Tweed has just drained us of money," he said. 

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