Hamden mayoral candidate promises improved relationship with Quinnipiac

Katie Langley and Cat Murphy
April 5, 2023

A week after announcing his intention to run for mayor of Hamden, Democrat Walter Morton IV kickstarted his primary campaign with a fundraiser at the Playwright Irish Pub in Hamden on March 31.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Morton spoke about reforming the relationship between the town of Hamden and Quinnipiac University, his pride in being a lifelong Hamdenite and how he hopes to improve public safety and town finances if elected mayor.

Morton, who has served as the finance and personnel chair of the Hamden Public School Board of Education for almost seven years, said his current role has given him an appreciation for budgeting that will help him tackle the town’s debt crisis, if elected.

The 31-year-old newcomer will face incumbent Mayor Lauren Garrett in the upcoming 2023 Democratic primary this fall.

“I’ve got a vision for Hamden,” Morton said. “I know what I want Hamden to be in the next decade. I know the steps that we need to take and also I’m very good at bringing people to the table to set aside their petty differences or politics.”