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Dear Editor:

West Hartford could be about to make history. Voters can help West Hartford make that history.

On Nov. 7, voters will go to the polls and vote on the next town council. While some may view this as “routine,” this year’s election is anything but that. For the first time in town (and possibly state) history, four women are endorsed candidates of the Democratic party for town council and appear on Row A of the ballot. I think this is great, not because it’s that any four women are on the ballot, but these four women in particular. Each of them brings skills and experience that will move West Hartford forward, ensure public safety, keep our schools as national leaders, keep our roads in great condition, continue to manage growth and taxes responsibly, and avoid “culture war issues.” Each is eminently qualified to be a part of leadership to bring  our town forward and I ask you to vote for each of them!

Mayor Shari Cantor has been a transformative mayor for West Hartford. She has led this town through some of the most challenging times in recent history and grown the town in such a successful way that people clamor to live in our increasingly diverse community. Business is coming to town and thriving, we are the restaurant capital of Connecticut, and taxes have grown at the slowest rate in decades all while services continue to improve. She advocates for West Hartford every minute of every day and treats her unpaid volunteer position as mayor like two full time jobs! No one works harder and more effectively than Shari Cantor.

Carol Anderson Blanks brings a long career in politics to council. She has been an active member on the Democratic Town Committee for 25 years and has served in office for several years including at the helm of the board of education offering a steady hand in a time of tumult. Her experience in public safety is felt by every resident of West Hartford as our police and fire departments are desirable and attractive places to work thanks in part to her efforts.

Deb Polun also comes with experience as chair of the board of education and is up for her first election to town council after having been named as a mid-term appointment nearly a year ago. She currently chairs the Human and Community Services Committee which oversees parks and recreation. The impacts to you include free Wi-Fi in all our parks and no more fines for late book returns at the library among a host of other things. She participates in countless volunteer endeavors as well and serves on the Jewish Community Relations Council. When she is not volunteering for her council work, she can likely be found volunteering for another worthy organization!

Tiffani McGinnis is also on the ballot for the first time having been a mid-term appointment earlier this year. Her record of managing campaigns is nothing short of superb with every candidate campaign she managed winning their race. Tiffani heads the Community Planning and Economic Development Committee which relates to zoning and economic development. Her work ethic is magnificent, she is a process-oriented leader who does her homework and pays attention to detail.

Please remember these four names! In my opinion, all four of these women have the skills and character to take West Hartford forward and I will be voting for each of them come Nov. 7.  I ask that you do as well.  Let’s all be a part of history!

John Lyons
West Hartford