It's Jackson vs. Anthony in November

A retired Hamden firefighter will take on Democratic Mayor Scott Jackson this November for the town's top spot.

Bob Anthony will be the Republican candidate for mayor, and he will face Jackson, who announced Tuesday he will be running for a third term.

“I welcome Mr. Anthony’s candidacy. He is a lifelong resident of Hamden and his qualifications make him an excellent candidate for mayor," said Republican Town Committee Chairman Ron Gambardella. "He worked for the town of Hamden as a fire fighter as a well-respected member of the force. He has dedicated his life to public service and to the town of Hamden. He also served as union president from 1993 to 2005, making him well versed on employee relations.”

Jackson said he had planned to announce his intentions months ago but several things — including the Sandy Hook School shootings, the ensuing commission he chaired and the February blizzard — pushed back his announcement, he said.

Ultimately there were too many things left to do to leave now, Jackson said.

"It is not a decision that is easily made and it is a job that has significant challenges," he said, "but when it comes down to it, we need a transformation and I started trying to frame that transformation in my budget address."

In the last three and a half years, he has faced five federal disasters that has taken time from his local agenda, Jackson said.

"There are some things I haven't made as much progress on as I would have liked to," he said. There is 10 percent less staff today than the day he became mayor, Jackson said, "so you're trying to do more or just keep up."

Anthony was critical of Jackson's taking on town unions in several cases pertaining to Public Works positions. The town lost court appeals and was forced to reinstate positions and pay back wages.

 “Bob Anthony’s prior experience as a union leader makes him uniquely qualified to soothe hard feelings caused by the current administration and improve the relationship between town employee’s and management should he secure the nomination,” Gambardella said. 

"[Anthony’s] agenda includes putting more first responders on the street, funding the depleted employee pension plan and better maintain our rapidly deteriorating town facilities," he said. "The Hamden Republican Party has been rebuilding. Mr. Anthony’s announcement is proof that the Republican Party is a viable alternative to the status quo, and that the party is indeed alive and well in the town of Hamden.”