BREAKING: DeStefano won't seek re-election

by: ctblogger

Mon Jan 28, 2013 at 20:56:05 PM EST

New Haven Indy

John DeStefano, the longest-serving mayor in New Haven history, is calling it quits.

DeStefano is expected to announce Tuesday afternoon that he will not seek an 11th two-year term. The mayor sent an email to the general public Monday afternoon stating that he and his family will be making an announcement at 5 p.m. at The Russian Lady at 144 Temple St. (the former Playwright), the site of past election victory parties. The intention is to cast Tuesday's announcement as a celebration, a capstone of a successful political career.

Then he made phone calls informing people around town that he had decided that after 20 years in office, he had served long enough. DeStefano told people he is "excited" and "happy" and "very comfortable" with his decision. He told people he "wanted to give everybody time to think about what comes next in New Haven."