Florshiem concerned with schools, climate change

As a member of the Democratic Town Committee and supporter of Ben Florsheim, I was surprised to get an email from the campaign of Republican candidate Seb Giuliano.

I can say with certainty that I did not sign up for emails from Mr. Giuliano, and did not consent to my contact information being shared with his campaign. When I called Republican headquarters, they could not tell me how they obtained it, and said someone would call back. No one has called.

Another thing I can say with certainty is that I will not be supporting Mr. Giuliano. In his email, he says that Democrats should realize it is in their best interest to cast their vote for a Republican like him. I think he underestimates Middletown Democrats and overestimates himself.

Here are just a few reasons this Democrat will be supporting Ben Florsheim:

Mr. Florsheim has demonstrated a dedication to ensuring our schools are among the best in the state. Mr. Giuliano was the author of a budget amendment that would have flat lined education funding, laid off teachers, and caused class sizes to grow dramatically.

In a recent Environmental Collective Impact Network meeting, Mr. Giuliano denied climate change, and became combative when thoughtfully challenged on his position. We need a mayor who has an eye on protecting our environment, and works to make Middletown sustainable.

I am appalled by the Republican Party and its values. I have heard that Mr. Giuliano and his team have said that local politics have nothing to do with national politics — implying Democrats should look the other way on their rightwing views and support for Donald Trump. I disagree wholeheartedly.

It is impossible to enumerate all the reasons that I support Ben over Seb. I am proud to be another Democrat supporting Ben Florsheim. Susan Guckin, Middletown DTC member