Stowe is the true public safety candidate

I was surprised to read that the Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association, for the very first time since their founding in 1958, endorsed a political candidate in a local race. I had not thought of our police department or their union in partisan terms before this endorsement. The association claims they were forced to take this unprecedented step because of the Act Concerning Police Accountability (H.B. 6004) that was recently passed by the Connecticut State Assembly, however neither of the candidates running for state House in the 149th district (Greenwich, Stamford) voted on that bill, as neither of the candidates currently holds state office. Further, I am surprised by this snub because Kathleen Stowe (a Democrat) has been publicly supportive of our police force and she has cultivated collegial relationships with the Greenwich Police Department through her work on the Board of Education.

Kathleen Stowe has been recognized by Moms Demand Action and Connecticut Against Gun Violence (CAGV) for her commitment to reduce gun violence and promote public safety in our state. On the other hand, Kimberly Fiorello (a Republican), the police union’s endorsed candidate, was one of seven Representative Town Meeting members who voted in favor of a motion to reduce the budget for Greenwich Police-Uniformed Patrol by $90,000 in May 2018. That budget reduction motion failed because 198 RTM members voted against it. Fiorello was also absent for the RTM vote in October 2018 to approve funding for the Silver Shield Association collective bargaining agreement with our town. Most notably, Fiorello just received an “F” from CAGV, grading her as someone who is unlikely to champion gun safety legislation.

I would ask voters to look closely at who has the interest of our community and state in mind when it comes to public safety and vote for Kathleen Stowe for State House of Representatives in the 149th district.

Jennifer Barro Greenwich