Henry Fernandez LAW ’94, the current chief executive officer of consulting firm Fernandez Advisors – a group that provides support for nonprofits and progressive movements nationwide – told the News on Monday that he is running for mayor.
Fernandez, a former economic development administrator for the city and the co-founder of LEAP, a youth agency in New Haven, said he has a vision for New Haven as “one city.” Fernandez added that the Elm City uniquely enjoys diversity, “intellectual firepower” from its college campuses and entrepreneurship of its immigrant community.
“It’s no question that I’m proven as someone who knows how to effectively run city government, but I think that what I really believe is that we do function best as one city where we all believe that other people’s success is our success,” Fernandez said. “I’d like to think that this campaign will be about weaving the city together and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.”
Fernandez has worked on a variety of projects in the Elm City, including bringing Gateway Community College to downtown and Ikea to Long Wharf, turning around the Shubert Theatre, growing business districts, and increasing owner-occupied houses in various neighborhoods throughout the city.
Unlike current candidates Ward 1 Alderman Justin Elicker FES ’10 SOM ’10 and state Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, Fernandez said he will not be using the Democracy Fund because the five months until the election is not enough time for him to use the system effectively. Fernandez added, though, that he supported the system.