LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ned Lamont should have a job

With the release of Ned Lamont’s financial records, we find that he has no job! Tsk! We, the electorate, should rectify this situation by casting our ballots for him on Nov. 6. Then we’ll have one less unemployed citizen on inaugural day. — Zoe Leibowitz, Storrs

Arts and culture are necessary for Connecticut

Arts and culture aren’t just a fun diversion, they’re necessary to our state’s growth and quality of life — which are intertwined. Few industries generate as much revenue for our cities and towns — and Connecticut as a whole — than arts events do. That’s why candidates for office must discuss their plans to ensure our creative economy continues to thrive and grow.

Arts and cultural organizations drive tourism, attract new dollars and retain local dollars. In 2015, Connecticut nonprofit arts organizations spurred nearly $800 million in economic activity and supported more than 23,000 full-time jobs.

Locally, The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council supports a $34.4-million nonprofit arts and cultural industry in the region. This sector supports 812 local fulltime equivalent jobs and generates $3.4 million in local and state government revenue.

In this election season, candidates running to represent our state and our local towns and cities must make supporting our creative economy a priority. Not only does it make sense for our state, but wise candidates should know that arts supporters vote. Darren Farrington, Torrington, administrator, Connecticut Arts Alliance

Friends of Main Street thank festival participants

Friends of Main Street would like to thank all the vendors and visitors that attended our 21st annual Fall Festival on Main Street in Winsted on Sept. 29. It was an enormous success. We hope you all had as much fun as we did.

Special thanks to our sponsors of this year’s event: Northwest Community Bank, R& M Insulation, West State Mechanical, Dr. William P. Ryan, DMD, Noujaim’s Bistro, Klebe Fuel, McKenna Orthodontics and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

Many thanks to our musicians — Jim Moore, Michael Hodorsky & Co. and Chronic Rhythm — all of who performed pro bono that day. Thanks to the Northwest Regional High School Robotics Team, ECAD and Dance and Beyond for their interesting and entertaining demonstrations.

Special thanks to Mad River Music for the donation and set-up of the sound system and to True Value of Winchester for their donation of supplies.

To our volunteers from the public as well as from The Gilbert School, and members of the FOMS Board who worked tirelessly, your help is much appreciated. Lastly thanks to Chris Chausse and Phillip Allen for a great job. Well done! Lauren Di Mauro, executive director, Friend of Main Street, Winsted