Danbury’s website not meeting diverse population

As we move forward past elections in our great city, I was concerned, frustrated and disappointed when looking at the City of Danbury website. Approximately, 30 percent of the residents in the City of Danbury are Hispanic or Latino, however, the website does not provide any links for translations into Spanish or Portuguese.

Many of our residents, who have taken ESL classes, still possess limited English proficiency and would benefit greatly from translations to assist them in being successful. Learning a new language is very difficult and takes much time. Do we not want all residents to have access to the important information? How will limited English speakers know how and where to vote, pay property taxes, or obtain important information about our schools? Wouldn’t it be helpful to assist our limited English speaking residents so they are more informed?

If the city truly embraces its diversity, as has been stated over and over again, then it is time for City Hall to step into the 21st century and accommodate by providing translation links on their website, so all residents who live in our community can access the valuable information contained there. This is not people over politics in any way.

Sandra Arconti Atanasoff Danbury