Election 2024 Letters to the Editor, Nov. 1, 2024

Every Friday until Election Day, GOOD Morning Wilton publishes Letters to the Editor that we’ve received about the candidates and/or election-related issues. Letters are limited to 225 words and must be signed with a full name and verifiable address. GMW will publish up to 15 letters each week in the order in which they are received; any letters received after we hit that 15-letter limit will be held for subsequent weeks. Election Letters to the Editor can be submitted through the “Submit a Story” link on the main menu before noon on Thursdays. Learn more about our election coverage guidelines and policies, and requirements for Letters to the Editor.

Kim Healy is Best Candidate for State Representative District 42

To the Editor:

I am writing to support Kim Healy for her election to the State House of Representatives, representing District 42, which includes Wilton and parts of Ridgefield and New Canaan.

With a background in accounting and finance, Kim is perfectly prepared to represent our district in the State House, where financial accountability should be upheld as an important pillar supporting the wellbeing of the state. Kim is an enthusiastic public servant, volunteering her time for the past three years as a member of Wilton’s Board of Selectmen. She has also been donating numerous hours in helping local not-for-profits, including serving as the board treasurer in Wilton Library.

I have known Kim for several years, both as parents of kids in the same classes and through many public events. A caring wife and mother, Kim is natural in connecting with people and gathers support across the political spectrum. In the local election of 2021, she won the most votes among all contested positions in Wilton. She is friendly, open-minded, and very pleasant. 

Kim is committed to issues affecting our life. She has been vocal on issues such as education, cost-of-living, zoning, and the environment. If she is elected, I am confident that she will be a strong delegate for District 42.

Monty Du

Stop the Red Herring of Regionalization — Democrats Don’t Support School Regionalization

To the Editor:

Please, please stop the “regionalization” red herring. Think about it rationally: Democrats have controlled both the State House, State Senate and the governor’s office since 2011. If Democrats were for “regionalization” then it would already have been passed into law. And yet, Republicans continue to sensationalize a version of a bill proposed every legislative session that has never made it out of committee. 

Both Savet Constantine and Ceci Maher are strong advocates for local control and have testified against “regionalization.” As Ceci Maher stated, “The strength of our communities lies in the strength of the education system and schools. I am opposed to forcing school regionalization upon towns and possibly endangering the quality of the schools. I will continue to work with constituents and legislators from both sides of the aisle to craft state policy that strengthens education and will work against any proposed legislation that would threaten it. I will evaluate every bill in the legislature based upon the ideas within it, not on the political party of the bill’s sponsor.”

Let’s support rational and honest leadership. Re-elect Ceci Maher for State Senate and elect Savet Constantine for State Representative.

Sincerely,

Carole Southall Telyan

Support Kim Healy for State Representative District 42

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Kim Healy for State Representative District 42.

Kim has intimate knowledge of the needs of her constituents through serving in the community and practicing active listening. In the last budget-cycle as a member of Wilton Board of Finance, I had the opportunity to work with Kim in her role as member of Wilton Board of Selectman; I was impressed with how she advocated to prioritize what really mattered to her constituents and drove both common-sensical and fiscally responsible solutions. On the education front, Kim demonstrated her leadership in the Reading Leadership Implementation Council by ensuring the successful implementation of the CT Right to Read Law. Further she has challenged the [CT State] Department of Education’s one-size-fits-all approach and advocated for locally driven decisions and ensuring that parents and boards of education are empowered to make their own decisions. 

Last but not least, Kim’s background as a CPA, experience in the private sector and her demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from all parties makes her uniquely qualified for the job. And she is not shy of giving credit, as she demonstrated by publicly recognizing Gov. Lamont at the Wilton League of Women Voters debate in Wilton.

I hope you will join me in voting for Kim Healy on Nov. 5.

Prasad Iyer
Wilton Board of Finance, Clerk

We Need Savet Constantine for State Representative District 42

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Savet Constantine, the Democratic candidate for the 42nd District for CT’s House of Representatives. As our state faces critical challenges, we need a leader, like Savet, who embodies our values and fights for our rights.

Savet stands out as a champion for women’s reproductive rights, a crucial issue in today’s political landscape. Her unwavering commitment to protecting a woman’s right to choose aligns with the beliefs of the majority of Connecticut residents who value personal freedom and bodily autonomy.

Beyond this vital stance, Savet brings a fresh perspective to the table. As a woman in politics, she understands firsthand the unique challenges faced by half our population. Her election would contribute to a more representative government that better reflects our diverse community.

Savet’s platform extends beyond reproductive rights, encompassing innovative solutions for education, healthcare, and economic growth. Her comprehensive approach demonstrates she’s prepared to address the multifaceted needs of our district.

I urge voters to consider the importance of electing a candidate who will defend our rights and work tirelessly for the betterment of all Connecticut residents. Savet Constantine is that candidate. Please vote for Savet on Nov. 5.

Valerie Rosenson

Wholeheartedly Support Kim Healy for State Representative

To the Editor:

I am writing to wholeheartedly support my friend Kim Healy in her candidacy for State Representative in Wilton, New Canaan and Ridgefield. Our friendship began in 2020 during the challenging times of COVID-19 when we collaborated to create Warrior Helpers, a community initiative that provided essential items to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand Kim’s unwavering dedication to our community and her genuine desire to help others. Her commitment to service is not just commendable; it’s inspiring. Since then, we have continued to work together at Minks to Sinks, where she served as co-chair. In just four short years, we’ve learned a lot about each other, and I can confidently say that Kim stands up for everyone and works diligently to uplift the residents.

I believe she will represent our community with honesty, passion and commitment. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration and empathy, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

I encourage you to support Kim in this election. She has the vision and determination to make a meaningful impact, and I am excited about the future under her leadership.

Thank you for considering this important decision. Together, let’s support a candidate who truly cares about our community.

Warm regards,

Patty Tomasetti

Proud to Support Kim Healy for State Representative

To the Editor:

I am proud to support Kim Healy for State Representative this November. In my years as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Wilton Library, and volunteer and member of the Wilton Garden Club and Family and Children’s Agency, Kim has been active, involved and generous. Kim also makes Wilton a better place through her service as selectwoman. She is committed to retaining local decision-making in our schools with regards to local reading curriculum. She was the treasurer for the Wilton Library Board and has worked on the state [Reading] Leadership Implementation Council. In addition to serving on the board of the Family [and] Children’s Agency, she has volunteered with me at the biannual Minks to Sink sale for years. She is a smart, capable, and generous woman who has our town’s best interests at heart. Kim’s incredible work ethic, intelligence and passion for our community are evident from her efforts on our behalf.

We are so fortunate to have such a qualified capable candidate for State Representative! Please vote for Kim on Election Day.

Sincerely,

Lianne Griswold Acosta-Rua

Vote for Savet Constantine and Ceci Maher — They Mean Fiscal Responsibility

To the Editor:

For fiscal responsibility, elect Savet Constantine for State Representative and reelect Ceci Maher for State Senator.

Kim Healy and Wilton Republicans have long run the town through the Boards of Selectmen and Finance and our 2024 property taxes jumped. Exacerbating this was their failure to manage town development. While neighboring towns like Darien built thriving new pedestrian-oriented, retail and commercial space in their town centers to offset home real estate taxes, Wilton hasn’t. The town didn’t attract small and mid-sized businesses, there are “for lease” signs on many commercial buildings, so commercial property assessments dropped, driving up taxes on our homes. And next year we will need to pay for years of deferred maintenance on Wilton’s infrastructure to the tune of $150 million.

In contrast the state’s Democrats have been the party of fiscal responsibility. The Democratic state legislature and administration delivered $1 billion in middle class tax cuts, ended most retirement and pension taxes for our seniors, capped property taxes on cars and established a $300 property tax credit on your state return regardless of filing status.

State Democrats have paid down the state’s long-term debt by $8 billion, reducing our annual interest expense by $645 million and funded a record $4.1 billion in the rainy-day fund ensuring we will be in good stead for many years to come.

Vote for Savet and Cece.

William B. Bonvillian

Best Choice for State Senate is Ceci Maher

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for Ceci Maher for State Senate. As an active member of our community, I have followed Ceci’s dedicated service and her consistent commitment to Connecticut’s future.

Her perfect voting record in 2024 demonstrates her reliable dedication to representing constituent interests. Most notably, Ceci’s exceptional advocacy for education has earned her both an A grade and honor roll designation from the Connecticut Education Association, reflecting her deep commitment to our students, teachers, and schools.

Through her actions and voting record, Ceci Maher has proven herself to be a devoted public servant who understands the critical importance of quality education in our state. Her recognition from the CEA underscores her thorough understanding of educational issues and her willingness to stand up for our education system.

I encourage you to vote for Ceci to represent Wilton in the State Senate. Her demonstrated commitment to education and consistent record of showing up for her constituents make her an excellent choice to represent our community.

Sincerely,

Candy Zarr

Savet Constantine Understands the Needs of the Wilton Community

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Savet Constantine, candidate for State Representative in our district. In my interactions with Savet, I have been impressed by her warmth, generosity, and genuine willingness to listen to the concerns of local residents.

Throughout her campaign, Savet has shown a sincere commitment to understanding the needs of our community. She has tirelessly knocked on the doors of over a thousand Wilton households to ask residents what their pressing concerns are and how she can best represent them in Hartford. 

Most notably, Savet maintains an approachable, down-to-earth demeanor, never hesitating to roll up her sleeves and engage directly with future constituents. This accessibility and humility have earned her the trust and respect of those she hopes to serve.

I urge my fellow residents to join me in voting for Savet for Wilton’s State Representative, as I am certain she will be an exceptional representative for our district.

Sincerely, 

Leslie Hueglin

Savet Constantine is the Trustworthy Choice for Our Community

To the Editor:

I am voting for Savet Constantine for State Representative because she is a highly qualified, motivated and intelligent individual who will bring new ideas and creative solutions to Hartford. I have known Savet for nearly 20 years and, having been appointed to a legislative committee by the state legislature myself, I know what it takes to be successful in that setting. Savet has the qualities required — she is approachable, smart and honest and will work to meet the needs of our community by presenting impactful solutions to problems. We have seen what she can do in our schools — now let’s reap the benefits of her seemingly endless energy and her vast public service and elect her!

Deborah Bucklan

No Other Sane Choice than Ceci Maher

To the Editor:

Please vote for Ceci Maher — a sentient human being with actual experience and demonstrated intelligence. Her opponent is another Republican place-holder: no passion, no point of view, no specific ideas, just abstractions and generalities that blow in the wind.

Maher’s record is exemplary. She stands firmly for reproductive health rights in Connecticut and nationwide. She appreciates kitchen-table economics and has repeatedly supported tax cuts for all residents, especially the elderly. Her extensive nonprofit background gives her unique insight into the importance of common-sense gun laws and an accessible mental-health support system. She understands both fiscal foresight and compassion for people who are not exactly like her.

Her opponent, Kami Evans, is a would-be influencer desperately searching for something to influence. Her vibe is off: Everything she says is a tedious platitude about “community” or “togetherness,” yet she is the spawn of a Republican Party intent on destroying both. Those of us who watched the Wilton and Westport debates saw Evans frantically flipping through her three-ring binder for answers to the moderators’ questions. Never has a candidate been less prepared, less conversant in the issues, less specific about how she would change anything in Hartford. 

Ceci Maher embraces residents and uses her office to better their lives. There is no other sane choice.

Tom Prince
Westport

To the Editor:

I listened to Savet Constantine’s GMW interview. Savet impressed me with her wide range of knowledge of issues both at the national level and how they work down to the local level. She understands all policy is connected and we need to work together to plan for the long term. It’s imperative that our district’s representative in Hartford is fully attuned and up-to-speed on all pertinent issues. What happens nationally has massive implications for what happens locally at the state and town levels and extends to women’s healthcare, our police and education systems, to name a few. What happens nationally impacts many areas critical to the people of our district, whether it’s reproductive freedom, gun safety laws, tax policies, educational laws and funding, public safety funding, and more.

I listened to Kim Healy’s GMW interview with real concern. She’s abstaining from choosing a presidential candidate, an odd choice for someone who is herself a candidate participating in the political process and running as a Republican. More worrisome is that Ms. Healy seems to take some pride in not paying attention to national issues and not following the news. I myself pay very close attention and want a state representative who does not tune out or remain blissfully ignorant.

Savet is who we need in Hartford to fight for our interests.

Sincerely,

Tim Klimpl
New Canaan
42nd House District

Savet Constantine will Work Effectively for Wilton

To the Editor:

We’ve been tremendously impressed with all that Savet Constantine has accomplished after a successful business career in serving Wilton in important volunteer roles. As a PTA president, she has organized great efforts in support of our schools, and it was a real pleasure to watch her in action as she has accomplished so much for the good of our town’s children.

Savet’s success as our state representative therefore will come as no surprise, and we know that she (like Ceci Maher who has risen to a senior leadership position in our State Senate) will be able to work effectively for Wilton as well as for our whole state as part of the leadership majority in our state legislature. We strongly support her candidacy.

Steve and Becky Hudspeth