Dear 2021 Mayoral Candidates of Hamden,

Since 2005, Hamden Animal Control has been paying an average of $70 per day to outsource animals in its possession. In 2015 Hamden moved to remedy that with a $400,000 Capital gains loan for the first-ever Hamden Animal Shelter. In the 6 years since, Hamden has failed to name a location.  In 2018 when former Police Chief, Thomas Wydra, drew up a proposal with blueprints, the Mayor's office declined to forward the plans to the Legislative Council. The quote at the time was that they, "Felt Hamden could do better."  Then, they continued to do nothing. 

The Mayor's office conflates this issue with other town needs. However, no other department in Hamden has cost the taxpayers $70 per day, since 2005, to fulfill its State-mandated requirement. No other department in Hamden was granted a loan in 2015 only to remain inactive while taxpayers pay the interest. No other department in Hamden was notified in 2019 that it was out of compliance with State animal control statutes due to the current administration's policies. No other department in Hamden had constituents inspire a municipal gift fund and then augmented it with fundraisers for an additional $30K. 

In our humble opinion, one reason Hamden has been hemorrhaging taxpayer dollars on this problem since 2005 is simply that animals don't vote. That is why we are asking our elected leaders, regardless of ideology, to work across party lines and be part of the solution. If a site is not named by November, then we the undersigned are asking all of Hamden's 2021 Mayoral candidates that if elected, to pledge to name a site for the first-ever Hamden Animal Shelter within 100 days of being sworn in.