I moved to New Haven the summer I turned six. Since then, the city and its incredible residents have shaped who I am today. My childhood was spent playing Pop Smith baseball, taking walks through East Rock Park, and trying all the Long Wharf food trucks with my dad.
In middle and high school, I spent my summers volunteering and interning at Horizons at Foote, an enrichment program for low-income New Haven Public School students. Horizons gave me a love for working with young people and opened my eyes to the educational, housing, and racial inequalities in our city. That understanding deepened when I switched from being a student at Foote, a private school, to Wilbur Cross, New Haven’s largest comprehensive public high school. I’m running for Alder today to address the city’s injustices that I’ve witnessed first hand.
I initially interacted with the Board of Alders during my senior year at Wilbur Cross, when my classmates and I advocated for the Board to approve funding to renovate our sports fields. The Alders approved the project that fall, and a new track, soccer, and football field were ready just in time to host our graduation. That experience gave me an appreciation for the city's democratic process. I admired the way the Alders weighed educational, environmental, and economic needs to serve their constituents, and I saw how essential community input and engagement are to good government.
At Yale, I’ve deepened my connection with New Haven through history and urbanism. My love for this city is why I’m an Urban Studies major. Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite essays I’ve written about New Haven. While city politics is something new for me, I’ve loved the campaign process so far. I’ve reconnected with old neighbors, teachers, and friends, and met so many amazing people. Hearing their stories and aspirations for the city energizes me. I want to be your Ward 1 Alder so I can fight for those dreams, lead with kindness and optimism, and find new ways to bring people together. Your support means the world to me.
With love and for New Haven,
Elias
