To the Editor:
This letter is in response to this Oct 29 letter written by Karen Palenski.
Did you watch Hamilton on Disney+ this summer over Fourth of July weekend as I did, fireworks streaking across the sky in the background? What did you think about? I thought about how horrified our founding fathers would be to see the division that has overtaken our nation…and our neighborhoods right here in District 23.
I realize that what I am about to say plays into the division I am decrying, but you know what? There is too much as stake. I am urging democrats who are satisfied with Carney’s performance to divorce themselves from their alliance to him. “Moderate” Republicans seem to trade on issues like the environment and the opioid crisis but it’s not where their passion lies. It can’t be in the era of Trump. For a democratic candidate like Dave Rubino, these issues—and proactive measures to prioritize them—are the rule not the exception. Here’s what else you get with Rubino at the wheel:
Sophisticated, relevant experience: Rubino is a highly accomplished human rights attorney who has practiced his profession on a global level. He possesses the ability (read: smarts) to spot opportunities, whether it’s crafting a new law, or adjusting existing ones as necessary so that the rights of everyone in our community are served and protected.
An agenda that protects our seniors: A Medicare Asset Test could have irrevocable effects on the finances of senior citizens who don’t own yachts. Rubnio knows this and will fight against it. I like the specificity of this stance and am pretty sure Carney doesn’t have an opinion either way. Or if he did it would be dangerously milquetoast. Our seniors deserve better.
Belief in science and the gravity of climate change: Dave has been endorsed by both The Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement. He will also aid in crafting legislation mandating climate change education in public schools (it is right now only “encouraged” but is not part of the required curriculum).
Police accountability: A bill was passed this summer. Rubino is patently in favor of it. Carney voted against it. For the seats in the back, especially in Saybrook, Carney voted against the police accountability.
On Nov. 3, do not throw away your shot. Vote for Rubino.
Sincerely,
Amy Elliott,
Old Saybrook.