To the Editor:

As an active member in the youth community of Fairfield, I cannot stress the importance of a strong education. My teachers and peers have shaped me as not only a student but as a person. From lectures on trigonometry to intense discussions regarding Victorian literature, each lesson has enhanced my critical thinking and broadened my understanding of certain philosophies. Reflecting on my growth as an individual, I can state with a definitive confidence that both Fairfield and Connecticut are obligated to prioritize improving or, at the very minimum, maintaining our quality of education.

In a bi-partisan budget passed last year, the state education budget lost $31.2 million dollars. The 30 lowest performing school districts were exempt from this reduction, yet over 130 other districts faced five percent cuts across the board. Connecticut does have an extremely prominent standing in education, according to USA Today, with a rank of number five in the country. My fear rests in the possibility that state legislature sees the results as an excuse to continue slowly draining from the education budget.

When looking at Tony Hwang and Michelle McCabe side by side in this November’s local State Senate election, I point to Michelle as the best candidate to fight for not only my rights and safety as a young individual but to protect an education system that helps a staggering 87 percent of students graduate high school (one of the highest rates in the country). Michelle has done significant work to promote public education, including an extensive effort to improve school nutrition as well as serving on the Fairfield PTA. Michelle is the candidate that ​will​ facilitate Connecticut’s future in the best manner possible.

Noah Giglietti

297 Romanock Road, Fairfield         October 25, 2018