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To the Editor: 

On Feb. 26, West Hartford will be holding a special election to fill the seat of State Sen. Beth Bye who is joining the Lamont administration. Beth has been an incredible voice for West Hartford, working on issues that concern the Town, and Rep. Derek Slap has been right there with her.

That’s why I’m writing to urge you to support Derek as her most worthy successor. In his two years representing West Hartford in the State Legislature, he has, among other things,  worked to pass a pay equity law, helped create the position of independent MDC consumer advocate (to help protect our public water supply) and phase out the state income tax on social security. He will enter the State Senate fully knowledgeable about the ins and outs of working in the state government as well as the issues that matter to West Hartford. He will hit the ground running … no learning curve required.

But equally important, I have found him to be completely accessible and responsive. In his two years as my state representative he has never failed to provide a timely, thoughtful reply to any email I’ve sent to him about any issue that concerns me.

Please join me in supporting Derek on Feb. 26.

Ethel Fried
West Hartford