LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Support candidates who care about the arts

The arts play a major role in educating our students, building strong neighborhoods, and generating economic activity.

Anyone who has taken their child to story time at the library, enjoyed a free outdoor concert on a breezy summer night, or done some holiday shopping at a local craft fair knows that arts, culture, and creativity brings people together and strengthens community ties. They make our neighborhoods attractive, livelier and safer.

That’s why, with election season in full swing, it’s important that candidates talk about arts and cultural issues as part of the solution to Connecticut’s challenges. Do they have a cultural policy plan? Do they believe elected leaders must play a role in supporting arts and cultural activities? Do they have strategies for increasing investment in the arts? How will they integrate arts policies into government initiatives on education, public health and safety, and economic development?

Before I cast my vote, I look forward to hearing from candidates for local, state, and federal office on the role of the arts, culture, and creativity in the life and health of our neighborhoods.

Eric Dillner, chief executive officer,

Shoreline Arts Alliance, Guilford

Carpino votes with conviction, integrity

It is my pleasure to write to you with my full support of Christie Carpino for reelection as state representative for the 32nd House District (Cromwell and Portland).

Christie is an advocate for, and works tirelessly on behalf of, those she serves. She doesn’t just vote for soundbites or titles of bills, but rather does her homework and votes for what matters most to the people of her district. This past session, Christie voted in favor of “An Act Concerning Various Pay Equity and Fairness Matter”s and “An Act Mandating Insurance Coverage of Essential Health Benefits and Expanding Mandated Health Benefits for Women, Children, and Adolescents.”

Christie, as a woman and a mother of two, recognized how incredibly important these two bills were in assisting the quality of life for women and families. She also listened to her constituents and knew how important these bills were to them. Both passed with bipartisan support. In a time when there is so much divisiveness in politics, Christie’s leadership and voting record exemplify how she can work in a bipartisan manner — always putting the 32nd District above all else.

As a young woman and millennial trying to navigate the sometimes difficult world of public service, Christie has taken me under her wing and shown me what it is to truly serve one’s constituents. She has shown me through her words and actions how to be engaged, present, and available for constituents. She has shown me how to vote with conviction and integrity.

Having someone who is truly our voice in Hartford is hard to come by, and Cromwell and Portland have definitely found this in Christie Carpino. Councilwoman Samantha Slade, Cromwell

Ziobron works tirelessly at Capitol

I will be voting for Melissa Ziobron for our state senator in the 33rd District Nov. 6. Melissa deserves our vote: She has worked tirelessly in Hartford as our state representative for six years, working to bring Connecticut back to fiscal responsibility. Susan McCann, Middle Haddam

Jimmy Fund golf tourney in Portland a success

Jimmy Fund Golf extends its sincerest thanks to organizers and sponsors of the Jim McNally Memorial Golf Tournament held Oct. 12 at the Portland Golf Club. Special recognition and appreciation goes to Bill Reis and Lisa Libera of Cromwell and the committee who organized the second annual event.

The Jim McNally Memorial Golf Tournament is one of more than 160 Jimmy Fund golf tournaments in 2018 that helped raise critical funds to support world-class cancer research and care. Proceeds from this event will specially fund Dr. Lorch’s research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The Jimmy Fund Golf Program presented by Mohegan Sun is the oldest and largest charity golf program in the country. Now in its 36th year, it has raised more than $120 million to support adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber. From 18-hole golf tournaments to mini golf events and day-long golf marathons, golfers of all ages and skill levels can conquer cancer through Jimmy Fund Golf.

To learn more, visit jimmyfundgolf.org. Amy McCallum, assistant vice president, Jimmy Fund Golf

Steinhauser will fight for school funding

I’m writing to encourage all members of our community to vote for Laurel Steinhauser for state representative for the 32nd District Nov. 6. Laurel is the advocate we need to ensure that education and funding for our schools are priorities at the state level.

As a past member of the Cromwell Board of Education, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges that we face with budget uncertainty and cuts to education. Laurel is committed to fighting for the funding we need to allow our schools to thrive. Laurel understands that strong schools are the foundation of our community, and the reason families are continuing to move to Cromwell. She also knows that supporting our teachers is critical to creating a positive environment for our students.

She is the only candidate who has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, and she is on the honor roll for the Connecticut Education Association.

Please join me in supporting Laurel on Election Day — her ideas and energy are the change we need in the legislature.

Scott Lamberson, Cromwell

Ziobron will keep spending in check

Melissa Ziobron has got my vote as state senator for the 33rd District. The only way we will get change in Hartford is if we support people like Melissa, who are fighting to change the “same old, same old” policies. Melissa gets the fact you can’t spend money you don’t have. We need sensible people like Melissa, who will to work for us, the taxpayers, to keep spending in line, while promoting job growth and educational funding for small towns. Melissa worked to maintain Educational Cost Sharing funding to municipalities throughout the state, which Gov. Dannel P. Malloy proposed to greatly reduce or eliminate in his budget proposal. She has a proven track record of supporting fiscally responsible polices.

David Murphy, Portland