DeStefano faces three primary challengers

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Primary day in New Haven and Mayor John DeStefano faces three democratic challengers. They say it's time for a change after 18 years, but what do the voters say?

There's been a lot of money spent trying to tell the voters what to think. A lot more money than is usually spent on a primary. Most of it was spent by John DeStefano. He's been New Haven's mayor for the past 18 years, and some voters don't see any reason to change that.

"If it's not broke, don't fix it," Laura Brantle said.

"Some more stability in New Haven," said Tony Dawson. "We actually like the attention to education."

Education is one of the strengths DeStefano has been touting in TV commercials about his record as mayor. His three democratic opponents are New Haven Citizens Action Network founder Jeffrey Kerekes, lawyer and community activist Clifton Graves, and longtime member of the board of aldermen Tony Dawson. They say DeStefano's 18 year record is long enough or maybe too long, and some voters agree they want to see something different.

"Just to see some changes happen," Cheryl Wilkin said. "Just to see some different people, some new things happen in New Haven. Some good things happen."

"There is so much violence and killing and our kids are just totally lost and we need a change," Vincent Folet said.

Violence in New Haven was brought up by most of the voters we spoke to.

"I guess the biggest thing I'm concerned about is crime in the city," Fred Sendloff said. "That's what's on my mind - safety, personal safety."

But could crime go down if there were more jobs in the Elm City? Greg Moore thinks so, and he wants whoever is mayor to help the economy.

"I just want somebody to win who's going to do something for New Haven," Moore said. "More jobs."

With the notoriously low turnout on primary day, chances are there's not going to be a line. Polls are open until 8:00 p.m.