LETTER: Enfield Teachers' Association Backs Arnone, Despard, Mangini

ENFIELD, CT ? My name is William Delaney and I am the Vice President of the Enfield Teachers? Association. Over the past two years, we have seen a concerted effort of misinformed and misguided people posting on social media and speaking at public meetings trying to damage the reputation of educators and discredit public education in Enfield, around the state, and across our nation. Alarmingly, school personnel have even faced threats of violence from radicalized zealots who have fallen prey to the propaganda of this ?movement?. The political motivation here is obvious, but some of these actions extend far beyond civic debate, constructive criticism, or parental concern. The malignment of schools and teachers is irresponsible and further, it offers nothing substantive to the essential pursuit of improving our schools. It is counterproductive to the mission of supporting public education.

Schools are special places that bring communities together in common cause. Schools and teachers are not perfect, but we are best when the respect for and devotion to public education is upheld and preserved. Let us never forget that American public schools have helped prepare many generations of individuals for productive, responsible, fulfilling lives and are a cornerstone of our great republic. Schools have fostered and actualized the American Dream for so many. Accordingly, this generation of young people deserve our focus and expertise so we can maintain excellent schools that help everyone achieve that cherished goal.

We must elect leaders who see the good in our public schools and who don?t propagate false narratives. We must elect leaders who support working as a team to consistently improve and raise the standards of our schools. We must elect leaders who believe in unity and not division. We must elect leaders who value pragmatism over ideology. We must elect leaders who fight for fundamental democratic and civic values like justice and the truth. That is why the Enfield Teachers? Association proudly endorse Representative Thomas Arnone of the CT 58th Congressional District, Matthew Despard for the CT 59th District, and Cynthia Mangini for the CT 7th Senate District.

Rep. Thomas Arnone- CT 58th House District

Tom Arnone?s dedication to Enfield is hard to match. After founding Kids? First, co-chairing Enfield Together, serving multiple terms on both the BOE and Town Council, Tom decided to make a difference at the state level, and he has done just that. One of the Assistant Majority leaders of the House, Tom is a ranking member on the Legislative Regulation Review Committee, a member of the Public Health Committee, and a member of the Planning and Development Committee. He has a proven record of fighting for the residents of Enfield. It is his life?s work.

Matthew Despard- CT 59th House District

Matt is a professional counselor and is currently serving on the Enfield Town Council. Matt comes from a family of teachers- mother, grandmother, and aunt. He has had a front row seat to see all the unsung, behind-the-scenes work of teachers that so often goes unseen and unappreciated. Matt knows that public schools are the backbone of a community and great care must be taken to ensure their success. He will make sure that all people in his district feel heard and his impact will improve lives.

Cynthia Mangini- 7th Senate District

Cyndi has been a stalwart supporter of public education throughout her 20 years of selfless service on the Enfield Town Council. She has worked directly in our school system as an academic tutor and knows the issues that face our students. She also knows that a budget is a value statement and that wise investments in our youth now will reap dividends for the future. Cyndi will rejuvenate this important Senate seat and become an active participant in the lives of people from 8 area towns- Enfield, East Granby, Suffield, Windsor Locks, Windsor, Somers, Granby, and Ellington.

The Enfield Teachers? Association also endorses:

• Governor Ned Lamont
• U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
• U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney

Please come out to vote for this talented and thoughtful group of people so they can help repair the division amongst us with responsible leadership that will lead to progress for all and a stronger Enfield.

Bill Delaney
Enfield

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