On Nov. 8 we have an opportunity to make a critical choice in our future. As citizens, we have a responsibility to learn about the candidates and vote for the one we feel will best serve our needs and values in their respective offices.
In Wilton there are six races. Our Democratic candidates are Hillary Clinton, president; Tim Kaine, vice president; Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senate; Jim Himes, Congress, 4th District; Carolanne Curry, state Senate; and Carole Young-Kleinfeld, registrar.
I am proud to stand up for all of our candidates, something many credible Republicans are not able to do for theirs this year. For example, on a national level, Colin Powell, a former secretary of state in a Republican administration, has said he is voting for Hillary Clinton because of Donald Trump’s lack of experience, temperament, and the negative messages he sends out. Many of our local Republican leaders have said they will not endorse and/or vote for Trump as well.
Hillary Clinton is experienced. “I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America,” said President Obama.
An advocate for many important causes, Hillary Clinton has been a voice for women and children.
Her stand on issues is clear. For example, she supports the right to bear arms but recognizes we need gun control.
Richard Blumenthal was an assertive state attorney general, taking the lead on many important cases. Now, as our U.S. senator, he is continuing to lead in a new setting. Sen. Blumenthal is a leader on gun control and law enforcement, on veterans rights, on our rights. We need to return him to Washington to represent us.
Jim Himes, as a former banker, has an understanding and insights that will help us continue to recover from the recession and know where to draw the line with our financial institutions. He is an independent thinker who does what is right for his constituents, even if it means sometimes not following party lines
Carolanne Curry has experience in many areas, but most relevant are the years she spent in the Connecticut Senate Majority Office as the administrative assistant to the Senate majority leader and Senate president working on legislative research and constituent services.
Carole Young-Kleinfeld is a registrar extraordinaire. She has trained and helped other registrars all over Connecticut. She serves on the committee that is instituting the new training of registrars.
Connecticut is the home of P.T. Barnum, a showman known for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. No disrespect to Barnum, but Trump is of the same ilk. He is a showman who grabs attention with bombast and outlandish, often mean-spirited statements. It is time the electorate sees him for what he is, a self-promotion hound.
For those not accustomed to voting for a Democrat, please consider your vote carefully. This isn’t a circus — the future of our country is at stake.
The Bulletin invited both political town committees to submit a pre-election column.
Deborah McFadden, Chair
Democratic Town Committee