Hayes right choice for 5th District

Jahana Hayes started her first term representing Connecticut’s sprawling Fifth District two years ago amid the longest government shutdown. And it only got more challenging from there, with a deadly pandemic, social unrest and economic crisis across the land. The teacher from Waterbury — and national Teacher of the Year in 2016 — could not have been prepared for such calamity; no one could have. But she rose to the challenge, used her strengths, and has served the 41-town district and country admirably For example, from her perspective as a classroom teacher, she realized the shutdown of schools last March meant many children would go hungry without the free lunches or breakfasts. She urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to include in the CARES Act a provision to let school districts prepare meals that families could pick up. The district has a three-way race this year. Bruce Walczak, an Independent from Newtown, wants to bring attention to the dysfunction in Washington wrought by a two-party system. He has participated in debates, but otherwise not campaigned much nor raised funds. David X. Sullivan, a Republican from New Fairfield, recently retired from a 30-year career as a federal prosecutor and is an adjunct professor at several universities. Sullivan advocates for “law and order” and would increase police training and accountability, if elected. When asked how to address concerns of systemic racism, raised in protests across the country and in Connecticut this summer, he questioned the phrase. He tries to paint his opponent as favoring socialism, a tactic echoed by many Republicans against Democrats this year, right from the top of the ticket. Though Sullivan is working hard at his first run for office, Hayes is the stronger choice. Hayes rightly sees health care as one of the top concerns of the district. She initially supported a single-payer health insurance, but “is willing to work with anyone” to see that people have affordable care.

Jahana Hayes rightly sees health care as one of the top concerns of the district.

She supports law enforcement — her husband is a detective on the Waterbury police force — yet sees the need to rebuild trust in policing. The social unrest has brought formerly taboo subjects into discussions at the town level. “Now full communities are asking questions in a way that is not divisive, but solution driven,” she said. This encapsulates Hayes’ approach to governing. She wants to work with congressional colleagues, no matter their party. In the district, she wants to give constituents access to government and encourage civic engagement. The Fifth District reflects the diversity of the country. It goes from central Connecticut to the western border, with cities such as Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury, Meriden and New Britain, suburbs and rural areas. Hayes’ position on the Agriculture Committee gives voice to small farmers in this district; she brings a classroom view to the important Education and Labor Committee. Two years ago we endorsed Hayes for her first term writing, “She would bring her constructive and compassionate approach to a Congress that sorely needs civility.” Jahana Hayes fulfilled that potential and has earned our endorsement for a second term.