New Haven residents hear a personal appeal from longtime community volunteers as Lindsey “Eichler” Tengatenga launches her campaign for Ward 24 alderman. The candidate, an Episcopal priest and public‑health scientist, frames her run as a continuation of her family’s multigenerational dedication to faith, service and civic responsibility.

Family roots in public service

Ngoni Tengatenga, a public‑health scientist at UConn Health, traces his heritage to Southern Africa, where his grandfather served Black railroad workers and helped organize labor rights movements. His parents later championed democracy, debt relief and women’s empowerment through the Anglican Consultative Council and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Local involvement and pandemic experience

For more than ten years the Tengatenga family has lived in New Haven, raising children, serving on the Edgewood School PTA and opening their home to families in transition. During the COVID‑19 pandemic Ngoni taught as a substitute and witnessed the challenges faced by immigrant and working‑class students, from transportation hurdles to housing instability.

Education and student‑loan relief

Highlighting Connecticut’s $20 billion student‑loan burden, the campaign stresses that debt hampers homeownership, entrepreneurship and economic mobility. The Tengatengas helped found the Student Loan Fund, which advocated for a Student Loan Ombudsperson and secured more than $12 million in repayment relief.

Housing and health priorities

Recognizing the link between housing insecurity, health outcomes and educational success, the campaign supports New Haven’s Coordinated Access Network and partners such as Columbus House, Liberty Community Services and Leeway. It also backs efforts to eliminate lead exposure in older neighborhoods, a persistent environmental injustice.

Faith‑driven vision for the city

As an Episcopal priest, Ngoni says faith calls believers to both charity and justice. The campaign positions those values as the foundation for Lindsey’s platform, promising to expand apprenticeship programs, workforce development and mentorship opportunities for young residents.

What voters need to know

The special election is set for Nov. 10. Voters in Ward 24 will decide whether the Tengatenga vision of a city where education, housing and health are accessible to all will guide New Haven’s future. The campaign urges residents to consider the long‑term impact of policies that lift families rather than limit them.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.