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To the Editor,

Please join me in voting for Derek Slap on November 8th for State Representative for the 19th District. As an educational leader, I know that Derek has the experience and background to help all of our students thrive. Derek’s past work as a leader in both state and local government means he has the skills to advocate on behalf of our district and join the fight for more equitable resources for our teachers, staff and students. As a father of three, he knows that our public schools are our town’s most valuable investment.

Derek would join an outstanding team with Beth Bye, Andy Fleischmann and Joe Verrengia, educational allies who have long supported our town’s thriving schools, making sure that we continue to work for the resources needed to support the education of all our children. As a Democrat, Derek is part of a national party that values and understands that the growing racial and ethnic diversity of our town strengthens and enrichens our schools and community.

Again, join me in supporting Derek as together we work with West Hartford’s families to provide increasing and better educational opportunities for all our students.

Dr. Mark Overmyer-Velázquez
Chairperson, West Hartford Board of Education