Science saves lives

Connecticut has benefited from steady leadership relying on science to inform decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Connecticut is not immune to disinformation being spread by science deniers and conspiracy theorists, which threatens to undermine the safety of our residents. When those conspiracies come from an elected official it becomes exceedingly dangerous. State Rep. Doug Dubitsky has undermined the health and safety of all Connecticut residents by denying the effectiveness of masks and by trying to deny schools the ability to require masks for students.

Dubitsky is representing the Freedom Alliance in its lawsuit, which argued that “requiring children to wear masks while in school is not only harmful but that the department of education violated state law by improperly implementing the regulation.”

Dubitsky’s actions are downright dangerous. We need our elected officials to care more about people than ideology. Democracies benefit from diverse opinions when making decisions. But we must always rely on science to make the decisions related to our health. The fact is — masks save lives. We need lawmakers who rely on reputable experts and will work together to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and move our economy forward. Dubitsky must be voted out of office.

Kate Donnelly Hampton

Editors note: The writer is the Democratic candidate for state representative, 47th District.