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To the Editor:

I read the letters from Kevin Sullivan and Christopher Tanski with interest. Kevin Sullivan is a long term Democrat who has been involved in politics both on the state level and town level for many years. I thank him for his service. Christopher Tanski is relatively new to our town as he stated in his letter. I hope he enjoys living in West Hartford.

The overarching theme in both letters was the attempt to try to turn the conversation around West Hartford politics to Trump. They did not address for the most part as to how we can work to improve our schools, increase safety on our roads, make housing more affordable, or better our town. Instead they immediately pivoted to Trump. This strategy of trying to turn all politics to Trump and calling the president everything from a fascist to Hitler cost the Democrats dearly in November. Not only did Trump win the election and take every swing state, he also made significant strides in Connecticut, though he did not ultimately win the state.

The anger at John Lyons and Jason Wang for daring to say that they do not believe that the Democratic party represents them any longer, is palpable. Instead of some introspection by Democrats as to why these two intelligent involved members of our community left the Democratic party, the reflex is to trash them publicly. How does that help our town?

The days of accepting that everything is about identity politics, DEI, and Trump are over. The days of thinking that an election can be won by slamming Trump and his policies are likely over as well. Citizens want solutions. They want affordable housing, and safe streets. They want secure schools that are educating the next generation, not indoctrinating them. They want schools free from antisemitism and racism. They want civil discourse and leaders that can discuss issues and get to compromise, even if they do not agree entirely.

During my time on the Board of Education, I learned that too much time and energy is often spent on things that are not going to actually educate our children. I also learned that it is often difficult to affect any significant change in our schools because of the mountains of mandates from the state, mostly unfunded, I also learned that there is deep politicization and continued obstruction of those on the Board who want to try to improve the process as illustrated by the attempt to create a curriculum committee and finance committee to help our schools. Both of these committees, ideas broached by Republican Board of Education members, were roundly voted down by the Democratic majority on the Board several times. These committees could have only enhanced our schools by helping to get the budget under control and fostering more transparency in the curriculum. They do exist in most districts for a reason but not in our own.

As failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris stated good ideas come from all sides, and that is true. However, in West Hartford, there is so much politicization, that this sentiment rarely happens.

It’s time to get to work. Continuing to bash Trump did not work in November and it is unlikely to work this November. Citizens of West Hartford should ask themselves if they feel their schools are better over the last two years, if they like spiraling local taxes and the dense overdevelopment in our town. These are some of the most important questions for West Hartford residents this November.

We are elected to help our constituents and our town, and that’s what we need to be focused on.

Gayle Harris
Candidate for Town Council, West Hartford