Fluent in Spanish and Cantonese, Justin Elicker is comfortable speaking with New Haven residents from around the world. And the two term member of the Board of Alderman was not shy about playing a Justin Bieber tune at the city’s Shubert Theater. Elicker hopes his next act will be as Mayor of New Haven.
“People say to me, ‘we want a mayor that listens, that is available and more accountable’,” Elicker said. “I give my cell phone to everyone.”
Raised in New Canaan, Elicker spent time away from Connecticut.
“I was in the U. S. Foreign Service for 5 years in Washington D. C., Taiwan and Hong Kong, and that job required a lot of travel.”
In 2007, Elicker and his wife, corporate attorney Natalie, decided to declare the Elm City their new home.
The democrat explains, “I wanted to put roots down in a community.”
An environmental consultant, Elicker also made a name for himself on the city’s Board of Aldermen for a wide range or topics, “everything from improving that issue of dirt bikes and ATVs running crazy though the streets,” Elicker points out. “To addressing a rooming house that had a very negative impact on crime in cedar hill.”
What some may call a relatively short political resume, Elicker says is a good thing. “I don’t owe anyone anything, and therefore if you elect me you’re going to get a Mayor that’s responsive to one group of people and that’s New Haven residents.”
At a Mayoral debate at Varick A. M. E. Memorial Church, Elicker called education the most important issue of the race. His vision includes a Board of Education that is partially appointed and partially elected by residents.
“I’ve been a strong advocate for transparency and more accountability in the overall system of government in New Haven.”
Armed with enthusiastic supporters, Elicker hopes to win over the city with his grassroots style.
“People are tired of politics as usual and I’m trying to move beyond that.”