LETTERS: Why a Killingly teenager wants you to vote for Dave Randall

Stop oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

As each day passes our wildlife becomes more endangered, however, we can prevent this by salvaging the Arctic while we still can.

If we come together we can prevent potential oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This undeveloped region is home to a variety of vital ecological species needing our protection for future generations. This includes the Porcupine Caribou Herd, polar bears, and migratory birds from all 50 states.

The Arctic Refuge is also the heart of Gwich'in Peoples sacred land. Development in this region will destroy their way of life. Yet, here in Connecticut we can protect the Arctic Refuge.

I encourage Travelers Insurance to not provide insurance cover for oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge, therefore defending this vital region.

Let’s give back to the earth. Let’s make an impact as a community. Let’s protect the Arctic.

Coral R. Vargas

New London, CT

Voting for Dave Randall and a school-based health center

I am a lifelong Killingly resident, former student of Killingly High School. It isn't typical for a teenager to write a letter to the editor, but I felt strongly that I had to. I am one of the many students advocating for the school-based mental health center (SBHC) at Killingly High. Many letters and articles have been written about how this is so needed in Killingly. Our community has been fighting for almost a year now, but there are still no resources in place.

I was appalled by the survey that my State Representative Anne Dauphinais released, regarding the SBHC. It implied incorrect information regarding the SBHC. Anne Dauphinais has lacked appearances at any Board of Education meetings to support our community begging for the SBHC. She also never attended any rallies in Killingly or in Hartford. This July, I read an e-mail from Dale Dauphinais, her husband, that he and Anne were holding a house meeting to discuss why the SBHC was so bad. I quote from that email, “We’ll give you answers to the proponent’s nonsense." This legislative session, Anne voted NO to SB 1 and SB 2, which provides funding for more mental health supports in school, (validated on Votesmart.com.) This is very wrong for an elected leader to have these actions.

Anne is up for re-election this November. A state representative is supposed to represent, and she is not. She is working against our cries for help. This issue has been in the state's hands since April. A good state representative should be working with the state on our behalf, but she is not. She has yet to respond to emails about her stance on the SBHC.

Luckily, we have another choice for state representative this November, Dave Randall. He has attended every rally and is one of the SBHC supporters that signed onto the state complaint. He is committed to supporting the mental health center. This may be the first year that I am old enough to vote, but I have known for three terms that change has been needed. I also know that many of the students who are begging for this mental health support are not old enough to vote. You can help them by voting for Dave Randall on Nov. 8. We can all work to make a change, and it starts with your support for Dave Randall.

Julia Revellese

Danielson, CT

Supporting Chris Rivers for 48th House District

I support Chris Rivers to represent the 48th House District because he has integrity, commitment, and empathy, the three most important characteristics of an effective public servant. His service to our country and local community is an example of his dedication and loyalty. He is well-educated and will effectively fight for the needs of our district. Chris Rivers is the clear choice to represent the 48th District's towns of Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin and Lebanon in Hartford.

Jeanne Goulart

Bozrah, CT

Rural legislators must work together

I live in the 50th House District but am volunteering my time to support Dave Randall’s campaign in the 44th District. Why? The answer is simple: the Quiet Corner cannot afford representatives like Anne Dauphinais who "legislate" through obstruction and a refusal to work with others. Put aside Anne's tweets and grandstanding and what’s left is six years of ineffectiveness in Hartford.

In Connecticut, as in many other states, legislators from urban and suburban districts often assume the taxes their constituents pay unfairly subsidize services to voters in rural districts. This is a persistent concern that, unless addressed, may limit state resources made available to Quiet Corner towns for economic development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

To overcome a "subsidy assumption" in Hartford, representatives of Connecticut's rural districts must work together at the top of their legislative games, not heckling from the sidelines. Connecticut's rural legislators must closely follow all the issues affecting their constituents and work to protect their interests. To be effective, they need to engage with other legislators in Hartford, both within and across party lines.

Serious engagement in the legislative process promotes respect for other legislators with opposing views and produces better legislation. By contrast, routinely retreating to partisan talking points does not. It reveals the legislator as a lightweight, unable to influence matters in Hartford that directly affect his or her constituents. Returning lightweights to Hartford is a luxury few districts can afford.

Dave Randall will take the legislator's job seriously. He will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and earn their respect. This respect will serve both his District 44 constituents and the wider Quiet Corner community.

Barry Reingold

Pomfret Center, CT

Democrats are working hard to build a better America

Inflation is on the mind of many Americans these days. When it comes to the cause of inflation in the U.S., economists cite several reasons which began with the unprecedented circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans watched in horror as the previous administration bungled the response to a deadly infectious disease during 2020 which continues to have long-lasting consequences for our country.

Inflation is not just a problem in the U.S.; it is a global problem. The global pandemic coupled with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are key factors causing the inflation we are experiencing today. Prices are rising all over the world. Demand is up and supplies are down. It will take time for supply chains to return to normal.

Despite these economic conditions, there is good news here in the Constitution State where Gov. Lamont is delivering for Connecticut. Our state has gone from massive deficits to record-setting financial achievements. Connecticut is benefiting from a:

• Record surplus (exceeding $4 billion)

• Record savings (Rainy Day Fund is among the best in the nation)

• Record tax cut (the largest in Connecticut history)

In addition,

• Connecticut is growing under Gov. Lamont

• Tens of thousands of new residents have moved to Connecticut

• Small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike are setting up shop here

• Connecticut has seen job growth month after month

Connecticut is heading in the right direction. Let’s keep our state’s trajectory on the right path. Please vote Democrat on Nov. 8.

Lisa Arends

Brooklyn, CT

An endorsement for Derell Wilson

Please join me in voting for Derell Wilson for state representative of Norwich. I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy. Whether it is in his daily profession of educating our children, work mentoring the youth of our community or being a city alderman, Derell always puts Norwich first.

Derell has the experience in government policy and the competence to make the often-difficult decisions required to be a legislator. He has the ability to analyze issues and decipher pertinent information accurately. He possesses the understanding of governmental intricacies, and no doubt will apply this gained knowledge in properly representing the Rose City in Hartford.

The choice is abundantly clear who should be elected as the next state representative from the 46th district, a young man of integrity, dedication and commitment to city. On the second Tuesday of November, vote for Derell Wilson for the betterment of Norwich.

Emmett D. Riley

State Representative 46th District

Norwich, CT

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: LETTERS: Endorsements for Democrats Randall, Wilson and Rivers, SBHC