Democracy is a participatory sport. Please participate!
At the federal level, the contrast between former president Trump and Vice-President Harris could not be more vivid. The former is stoked by racial hatred and divisiveness, personal vindictiveness, disinformation about the “enemies from within”, favors and tax-breaks for the ultra-wealthy, criminal and abhorrent behavior toward women (“whether they like it or not”), a complete lack of business ethics and adoration of dictators around the world whom he now seeks to emulate.
Kamala Harris abounds with hope, the promise of a better America – and the truth. Trump has a clear record of election and climate change denial, disloyalty, brutality toward immigrants and anyone who dares to question his positions, distain for our military and our veterans. Harris has an outstanding record as Attorney General and then United States Senator of standing up to criminals, drug cartels and big Pharma. She is one of the most qualified candidates to ever seek the office of President.
All of this notwithstanding, we need to insure that the state of Connecticut continues to provide protection for its residents – especially given the terribly politicized Supreme Court. In the US Senate, we have two hard-working dedicated public servants in Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy – who so deserves to be re-elected on Tuesday. In Congress, our region is fortunate to have Representative Jahana Hayes (5th) and Jim Himes (4th). They work tirelessly and are doing an outstanding job representing all of us and will continue to do so after they are re-elected on November 5.
Our State Legislature in Hartford is comprised of 36 Senators and 151 Representatives and is crucial to our well-being. All of them are on the ballot this fall. One of the most critical positions for our area (Danbury, Ridgefield and New Fairfield) is the State Senate; a seat currently held by Julie Kushner for the past six years. She is being contested by Michelle Coelho. It is incredibly important that we choose the right person to send to Hartford for the next two years.
We need a tireless advocate pressing for financial support to the district, negotiating and passing relevant and beneficial legislation for our community and helping constituents navigate the maze of state government and its bureaucracy. The “asks” are many: Education and infrastructure, environment and public health – keeping costs down while delivering quality services for our taxpayers. The job requires someone with demonstrated knowledge and integrity. It requires the respect of colleagues in the Senate. It requires consistent steadfast defensible values. It requires the ability to work ceaselessly.
We have seen what Julie Kushner brings to the table. She spends vast amounts of time getting to know the community, attending events to celebrate the diversity and listening to the needs of her constituents. She brings our concerns to the floor of the Senate. Julie is the Chair or Co-chair of several committees that have passed landmark legislation to help working families statewide. She has championed efforts to have a new high school in Danbury and she has brought funding to build a new high school in New Fairfield. She co-chairs a commission on indoor air quality, focused on our school environment. She supported all efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. She is committed to reduce gun violence. She is a life-long advocate of reproductive rights for women. Julie is endorsed by nearly three dozen organizations across the state, including police, teachers, firefighters and nurses. She has endorsements from Planned Parenthood, CT Realtors and environmentalists.
Senator Kushner is held in the utmost esteem by her fellow colleagues and by the Senate leadership, as well as by the Governor. This only enhances her value for us, the residents in her district.
By stark contrast, her opponent has no legislative experience. Her positions on important issues – completely unknown. When given the opportunity to talk about those issues, she decided instead to duck out of two of her four scheduled debates with Senator Kushner. Her true ideology has been exposed by her strong support of the second amendment and her “state’s rights” approach to women’s reproductive rights. She is waging her campaign predominantly by erecting large signs throughout the district: signs don’t vote, people do! She would have little positive impact in the Senate.
We should all consider who we want representing us in Hartford in the State Senate. For me, that choice is easy and could not be more clear: Julie Kushner deserves another term.
Larry Riefberg
Lifelong Danbury resident, homeowner,taxpayer, graduate of Danbury Public Schools, attorney, business owner, husband, father, grand-father, son and proud Chairman of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee