New Haven Toni Harp has launched a campaign website and filed the necessary paperwork to run for re-election later this year.
The mayor, who was in Washington on Monday, hasn't formally announced her run, but supporters said she filed with the clerk's office in order to begin the fundraising process and work toward building campaign staff.
The filing comes less than two years after Harp first won the seat. Her opponent in the 2013 race, Justin Elicker, said that while there are some things he may have done differently, he thinks she’s doing a good job in office. Elicker will not be running in the 2015 race.
"She's really put her all into things. She's visible around the city. I see her at many meetings and many events around the city, so she clearly really cares about the job and wants to do her best to improve the city," said Elicker.
That's the sentiment felt by many New Haven residents.
"She is a very good person. She's been doing a lot for the community," said Jhamal Gallimore.
Downtown businesses have been happy with the way snow removal was handled this winter. And it's not lost on residents that overall violent crime, and specifically shootings, has gone down since Harp has been in office.
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"It's calmed down a lot, so I think she's doing a very good job," said Angie Suggs.
Some say, however, it's still too soon to judge how Harp has left her mark on the Elm City.
"I think it takes time for their actions to actually have an effect on the community they're serving," said David Cooke.
Harp is expected to make a formal announcement about her re-election campaign soon.
