New Haven residents heading to the polls on Nov. 10 will hear a clear call for action from Randall Furlow, the candidate seeking a seat on the Board of Alders for Ward 24. Furlow frames his campaign around three core ideas: protecting families from soaring rents, strengthening community safety through sensible infrastructure, and building a grassroots movement capable of holding powerful interests accountable.
Housing and Short‑Term Rentals
Furlow says the city’s short‑term rental market has become a tool for wealthy investors to turn homes into corporate lodging, driving up rents and reducing the supply of affordable housing. He proposes a straightforward ordinance that would curb short‑term rentals without amendments, aiming for the “largest possible impact” on the housing crisis. The proposal is presented as a concrete step, not a symbolic gesture.
Infrastructure for Families
Beyond housing, the candidate highlights everyday concerns that affect families: speed bumps, stop signs, smooth sidewalks, and curb cuts that keep children, seniors, and disabled neighbors safe. He argues that these modest improvements are essential to a livable city and reflect a government that serves its people, not developers.
Economic Justice and Community Benefits
Furlow criticizes the tax exemptions granted to Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital, describing them as subsidies that enrich institutions while ordinary residents shoulder the cost. He calls for greater community engagement in development projects and for unionized hospital jobs that provide a middle‑class wage rather than poverty‑level pay.
Building Power Through Faith and History
Drawing on New Haven’s civil‑rights legacy, Furlow cites Frederick Douglass and the historic struggle against redlining. He reminds voters that lasting change comes from organized, faith‑driven action. His own family roots run six generations deep in the city, and he points to his aunt Helen Martin’s work with Community Organized for Responsible Development (CORD) as a model of effective community organizing.
What Voters Can Expect
If elected, Furlow says he will work with fellow Alders to advance tenant‑union efforts, affordable‑housing investments, and a more equitable education funding formula. He also pledges to support policies that protect renters from dramatic rent hikes and unfair evictions.
Why the Election Matters
Furlow frames the special election as a pivotal moment for New Haven’s working families. He urges residents to see the ballot as a tool for reclaiming power from corporate interests and ensuring that city resources are directed toward the people who live, work, and raise families here.
For more information on Randall Furlow’s platform and to volunteer, visit his campaign website or attend one of the upcoming neighborhood meetings.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
