DeStefano wins primary despite low turnout

Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. won a chance at a fourth term in City Hall at the Tues., Sept. 14 democratic party's mayoral primaries, defeating challenger James Newton by a margin of 6,182 to 3,776. Newton took Wards One and Two, the regions of the city with the highest concentrations of Yale-student voters, but fell behind his opponent in the rest of the city. Most political observers agree that the democratic primary victory guarantees a DeStefano win in the November election as well, since no Republican candidate has stepped into the fray as of yet.

During his campaign, Newton managed to divide the party over issues of corruption in DeStefano's administration. He accused the Mayor of misusing public funds for private interests. "We have to distinguish that this campaign is about integrity, ac-countability, and responsibility, and giving the city back to the taxpayers," Newton said. "We do that by getting rid of this administration, which is one of the most corrupt in the history of our city." Newton also criticized plans to build the Long Wharf Mall, saying that New Haven should focus "on the downtowns rather than going to the outskirts."

DeStefano ignored the attacks and refused Newton's four invitations for public debate. "Jim Newton insinuates all kinds of things which have no basis in fact," DeStefano said. "I choose not to get down in the mud with Jim." He pointed to his record on reducing the crime rate, cutting taxes, improving public education, beautifying city parks, and increasing employment and economic health as evidence that Newton's accusations are baseless.

Yale was a topic conspicuously absent from the campaigns of both candidates. Both gave brief talks at a Wed., Sept. 8 forum sponsored by the Yale College Democrats, but did little else. Neither mentioned the school in mailings, and posters and signs were absent from campus. Only 33 out of 556 registered voters turned up at the Ward 1 polling station on election day, a stunningly small turnout. "My guess is that's a record low," a Ward One Primary Mediator said, who asked to remain anonymous.

One explanation could simply be that Yalies have historically lacked interest in New Haven politics. "They are much more involved in national campaigns," said the mediator. "Even when they do get involved in New Haven politics, they don't truly understand what they're doing."

Newton acknowledged that the student body's presence in city politics could be strengthened. "The Yale Democrats, I think, have always had a particular, limited impact," said Newton. "Their participation is always welcome. I believe that we ought to expand that."

DeStefano also welcomed Yale community's involvement with the city, but he denied a distinction between Yale voters and other residents of the city. "They don't exist in New Haven as some kind of extraterrestrial being. They're residents and they should participate as any other resident does," DeStefano said. He added he would not make particular efforts to involve Yalies in politics.

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