Letter to the Editor: Support for Beth Kerrigan

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To the Editor,

I am happy to write a letter in support of Beth Kerrigan for Council.

My guess is that every single candidate – Democrat and Republican – will say they support careful spending of every tax dollar. Beth is certainly in that camp – with a track record of looking for and finding savings each budget season. This issue does not differentiate any candidate.

What separates Beth is her willingness to stand up for human rights, worker rights, and for our community values. I can tell you from experience in politics – the easier path is to go along – not make the news, not to challenge colleagues. But that’s not how positive change happens.

Beth and her wife Jody were willing to stand up for their family and thousands of others for the right to marry. This was difficult and very public – but in the end helped so many.

Beth was honored last year by the CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund for her work, with a team, organizing the Women’s March – for Women’s rights. When these rights were under attack it would be easy to sit home and complain to neighbors and friends. Beth instead spent weeks planning an event that gave women a voice, and helped make change.

She also served on the West Hartford Housing Authority – volunteering her time to assure more affordable housing in West Hartford. And when the Town Council considered a new affordable development – Beth listened to all sides – and voted with working class families – to go forward with the project. It did not pass, as others rejected it.

I have watched Beth volunteer hundreds of hours working to get it right on issues that come before the council. She is at countless community event and takes her role of listening to ALL very seriously. It is easy to hear the chorus as an elected official. Beth hears each individual and she uses her position to make a positive difference for our community. We need her voice again – to ask tough questions, to listen and to be willing to stand out and stand up for all.

Beth Bye
West Hartford