Hamden Mayoral Candidate Jeffries Promises ‘Big Push’ Toward AI to Help Solve Town’s Tax Woes
HAMDEN, CT — Jameka Jeffries, a Democratic candidate vying for the mayoral seat in Hamden, is staking a central part of her campaign on the integration of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to improve the lives of residents and the financial standing of the town.
Jeffries, who officially submitted her candidacy papers earlier this month, joins current Mayor Lauren Garrett and Walter L. Morton IV in the race. According to Hamden’s town clerk, Karimah Mickens, this marks the beginning of a spirited election season.
During a recent phone interview, Jeffries outlined her vision, highlighting a significant push for AI within Hamden’s infrastructure. Leveraging her professional background as a real estate broker, she intends to attract AI-focused businesses to the town by offering tax abatements and credits.
“The businesses of yesterday are antiquated when it comes to the needs of the people in the future that we’re going toward,” Jeffries stated. “It’s like trying to fight a nuclear war with a cannon. We have to evolve with the times.”
Jeffries’s strategy also encompasses incorporating AI into the operations of the town government itself. She anticipates that with the implementation of AI, Hamden will enhance its efficiency and diminish the time required for tasks like report writing.
The emergence of AI into the mainstream, accelerated by OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in late 2022, has ignited a global competition among tech companies to develop more sophisticated models. Connecticut has also witnessed AI’s growing footprint, with its integration in casinos, hospitals, and even some school districts.
Jeffries believes bringing substantial, AI-driven companies to Hamden will boost the town’s economic expansion. This, in turn, could alleviate the fiscal pressures faced by residents, who currently bear one of the highest tax rates in Connecticut. Moreover, she anticipates more business development will result in both more employment and housing opportunities.
“When you look at downtown New Haven, you see AstraZeneca, you see Pfizer… that is the wave of the future,” Jeffries said. “When you bring in big businesses… employment goes up, housing goes up. So, I just feel as if the future is in technology and we really have to tap into that.”
Beyond her emphasis on AI, Jeffries’ campaign is committed to expanding recreational options, especially for Hamden’s youth. She stresses that children should have a greater exposure to arts, music, and other cultural outlets to encourage self-expression.
Jeffries, who owns Diamond Realty Partners, LLC, is a first-time candidate for mayor. She is currently a member of the town’s Community Development Advisory Commission as well as the Board of Directors for the New Haven Middlesex Association of Realtors. Prior to her real estate career, she worked as a rapper and gospel musician. As a realtor, she continues to incorporate her musical talents through video promotions, earning her the nickname “The Rappin’ Realtor.” She is also fluent in Italian.
The Democratic primary is set to take place on September 9, with Election Day scheduled for November 4, according to the Secretary of the State.
