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To the Editor:

Two years ago, when she was running for her first election to West Hartford Town Council, Tiffani McGinnis sent a mailer to voters that said, “I believe that government should be a force for good.”

Since then, at the federal level, we have witnessed the powers of government misused and abused to further the divisive agenda of an administration fixated with petty vendettas, fomenting chaos, and undermining our democratic institutions. It is not an exaggeration to say that American Democracy is in peril.

At the local level, we need leaders who are still steadfastly focused on improving the lives of ALL citizens, not just the wealthy or members of a particular party. Tiffani has provided that kind of strong leadership for West Hartford, from voting to pave the way for affordable housing developments like The Camelot and The Elle at North Main (the former Agudas Achim synagogue) to supporting Vision Zero, a comprehensive plan to make West Hartford’s streets safer. She’s championed mixed use development, the expansion of Trout Brook Trail, and a food scraps drop-off program to help reduce waste.

Tiffani knows that keeping West Hartford affordable for working families is the best way to maintain our status as one of the most desirable places to live in Connecticut and the nation.

As a board member of West Hartford Fellowship Housing, I was delighted when Tiffani lent her time and talents to WHFH’s fundraising efforts. She knew of Fellowship’s mission to provide affordable housing for the elderly and adults with disabilities and asked, “What can I do to help?”

Tiffani will cringe when she reads this letter because, unlike some who pursue a career in politics, she detests being in the spotlight. To her, public service isn’t a side hustle or a steppingstone to stardom. Nor is it about power or prestige. It’s about doing the work. With purpose. With empathy. With integrity. Period.

Washington, D.C. may resemble Rome before the fall and MAGA’s attacks on science, education, healthcare, and the environment will continue. But I sleep a little better knowing that leaders like Tiffani are here in West Hartford fighting to make sure government fulfills its promise to all.

Whether you plan to vote early or go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, please join me in supporting Tiffani and her running mates on Row A.

Adam Raider
West Hartford