Race For Mayor: Matthew Corcoran, Republican

In a time when Internet marketing seems endless, local politics can get lost in the shuffle of promotion. For Matthew Corcoran, Republican candidate for mayor, it’s not a set back but a reality.

“I think TV and radio are effective,” said Corcoran. “They are just expensive. I am someone who is not terribly good with the new media. I just prefer standing on a porch or front stoop and talking to someone. Like everyone else, public officeholders are going to have to get used to the new media.”

On top of an unstable budget both globally and locally, Corcoran said it’s been more difficult to raise money this year. The 35-year-old began in local politics in 2007 and ran in Hamden’s Fourth District in 2009 losing to David Hennigan by 123 votes. He also ran for state representative in 2008 and state senator in 2010.

“[The economy] affects my ability to get the message out,” said Corcoran, a Hamden resident since 2005. "The use of tools like television, radio and mail are often effective means of explaining my views on issues to the voters. This year we have not been able to do that.”

Instead, Corcoran sticks to tradition with door-to-door contacting. “I have been walking quite a bit and talking to voters in that way,” he said. As a passionate golfer when he has time, his experience walking around long green courses shouldn’t affect the young candidate when it comes to hitting the streets of Hamden.

This year, Hamden residents have heard a lot from candidates regarding the town’s fiscal neglect, tax increases and spending cuts, but one priority for Corcoran is traffic calming.

“Traffic issues weaken our neighborhoods and make Hamden a less desirable place to raise a family,” said Corcoran. “This also affects property values.  Who wants to live in a neighborhood where it is dangerous to take a walk?”

Corcoran said that while the limited budget constraints what could be done concerning traffic calming, he is extremely supportive in taking affordable measures to refining it.

“We also need stricter enforcement of speed limits,” said Corcoran. “I would like to work with our state delegation to increase the amount of speeding fines which go back to the municipality. This would ease some of the economic disincentives that our police departments face with speeding enforcement.”

Corcoran’s sovereign character, recognized by a distinctive issue like traffic calming, spills over from his other profession: owning a law firm and running it solo in Wolcott. Corcoran said owning his own business has its challenges. “It is an experience I wouldn’t give back for anything though.”

“Most importantly, Matt cares,” said Corcoran’s campaign treasurer, Christopher M.Honnen. “He has been talking and listening to residents for three years now. He knows the issues that are important to helping them.”

Running for mayor was a decision Corcoran said he made because, he believes, the town is headed in the wrong direction due to years of fiscal neglects that have resulted in a downgrade of Hamden’s bond rating. However, seeking out energy efficient grants is something Corcoran looks at as something encouraging for Hamden. The town recently installed a fuel cell generator at Hamden High School and solar panels at Basset Field through a grant.

“Our current grant writer, Florence Villano, does a terrific job in finding these opportunities and I would like to continue this,” said Corcoran.

“I think all the candidates care deeply about Hamden,” said Corcoran. “This is why there are so often disagreements and different points of view. We all know that we are facing tough times ahead and that is why we are so passionate about the issues.”