To the Editor:

Folks in Connecticut’s 28th Senate District (which includes Fairfield, Newtown, Easton, and parts of Weston and Westport) may have had a chance to meet Michelle Lapine McCabe, who’s running to be our State Senator. Michelle has been out knocking doors throughout the district, getting to know voters and the issues they care about.

Michelle is an innovator, an advocate, and a policy advisor who has spent most of her career in public service. She’s the Director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development with the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, where she creates opportunities for improved health and economic growth. She knows that Connecticut needs to work for everyone, not just for the few.

I’ve come to know Michelle while volunteering with her campaign, and I’m so impressed by her knowledge, her passion, and her commitment to community. It’s clear to me that Michelle truly listens to people when they share their concerns. This trait has been sorely lacking in our current State Senator, Tony Hwang, who voted to allow guns in state parks, to allow lifetime ammunition renewals without permits, voted against a free and open internet for Connecticut, and voted to block the confirmation of a highly-qualified gay Supreme Court justice. Michelle understands that representing constituents is not about posing for photos with them, but about voting to represent their wishes and values.

Michelle will be a fresh, progressive voice in Hartford who will bring new ideas to the table. And her votes will reflect the shared values of the constituents she’ll represent. I’m proud to vote for her at the polls on November 6th, and I hope you will vote for her, too. We deserve to have a strong advocate like Michelle fighting for us up in Hartford.

Valerie Wilke

130 Curtis Terrace, Fairfield         October 19, 2018