Supporting Hoyt for representative

As these uncertain times continue, I find myself pondering who will actually win November’s presidential election. This race will be one of the most important presidential races in my lifetime, and while many are focused on the national races, I am relieved to know that there is one race where the choice is clear. I am happy to give my support to Kathy Hoyt, running in the 88th District in Hamden.

Hoyt is a lifetime Hamden resident; she was raised here, and she raised her children here. As a business owner, she has a keen sense of the economic hardships faced by the residents. But more important to me is the lack of seriousness that the incumbent, Josh Elliott, approaches his job. He continues to embarrass us in Hartford with his antics. Josh missed voting for the qualified immunity amendment in the police accountability bill passed by the Legislature. Though I personally did not support the language of the amendment, my disagreement with Elliott is completely irrelevant here. My issue is not that he holds a position contrary to mine, it is that he was not there to vote at all.

Representative Elliott’s Facebook post apologizing for the situation listed excuse after excuse. He did not know how long debate would last, he had to feed his dog, the Republicans introduced an amendment. Bottom line, he missed the vote, he put his needs over that of the people he represents. I simply asked myself whether I would prefer the expertise of a dedicated public servant and concerned citizen of Hamden, or a man who puts his own priorities above that of our taxpayers.

The answer is clear, at least to me. In the case of the qualified immunity bill, there was a dead tie. No matter your opinion on the issue at hand, it is certainly better to be represented by someone who cares enough to show up and vote. That is why this November, I encourage all Hamden residents to vote for Kathy Hoyt for state representative.

Please go out and vote on Nov. 3.