To the Editor:
State Senator Linares recently issued a press release calling for hearings on recent infant fatalities in families having dealings with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Few would dispute the importance of understanding why these deaths occurred, and whether DCF can be doing a better job.
But where was Linares’ concern for children when he voted against the Newtown gun control bill, saying he hadn’t read it? More recently, where was his concern for children when he used his position – some might say abused his position – to appoint a paid representative of companies that manufacture cadmium-containing jewelry to a panel looking into health issues presented by cadmium in jewelry intended for children?
Linares voted against a ban on known carcinogens in children’s clothes, and opposed efforts to create a watch list of chemicals of high concern to children. He was also one of only two Children’s Committee members to vote against a ban on spraying toxic pesticides at all Connecticut schools. His concern for the safety of children is not at all obvious given his voting record and appointments.
Senator Linares’ opponent, on the other hand, seems to be genuinely concerned for children’s safety. Emily Bjornberg is the mother of children ages 4 and 7, and for the past seven years has been the Youth and Family Ministries Director of the Deep River Congregational Church. Her concerns mirror my own and she will get my vote in the November election for State Senator.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Sund
Essex.