To the Editor:

A letter was sent to you on Tuesday evening, [Ferguson letter, A-10] questioning my love for and dedication to Newtown. I am running for public office because of my love for Newtown, its people, and what it has to offer. When I settled in Newtown 20 years ago, I chose Newtown because of its charming character, a good education system, and the wonderful people I now get to call neighbors, family, and friends.

My commitment to this community has encouraged me to raise a family here, run for Board of Education, and now run for State Representative. I could not imagine living anywhere else. I am confident that every person in this town shares common goals for a good life in Newtown. What differs are the policies that get us there.

I work collaboratively with Board of Education members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our students receive the best education we can provide them. We may not always agree with one another but we are all committed to a common cause. Ensuring the best quality education we can possibly offer to the people of Newtown.

As someone who is heavily invested in education, ensuring that the history our children are being taught accurately reflects every part of history is an important step to address the inequalities people face. Those who believe that systemic racism is not a prevalent issue in all communities across the state and country have the privilege of choosing to ignore the problems, because they can. By discluding all aspects of our rich history, we are ignoring our past and we are perpetuating the systemic racism that is still alive today. Ensuring that our students understand this and learn from it will make Newtown’s school system stronger. To imply that including curriculum in our schools that addresses racism in our country will prevent students from attending incredible universities is unfathomable.

The partnership that Newtown Police has with community members is yet another reason why I love this town. I recently spoke with the Chief of Police to find common ground on the recently passed Police Accountability Bill, and I am proud to say we ended our meeting finding that common ground. I am committed to working with the Newtown Police and all stakeholders to ensure the safety and accountability in our community.

I love Newtown because I see what we as a community are capable of. To imply a loss of “character” by ensuring that Newtown can be an affordable place for all people to live is puzzling. Are we not able to raise our families in Newtown if it’s affordable? Working to make sure we can all afford to call Newtown home only increases its character. Newtown does not lose character when we welcome people into our neighborhoods and their paychecks or socioeconomic status should not be a determining factor of that.

There are so many reasons why I love Newtown, and wanting representation that more accurately reflects this community does not mean otherwise.

Rebekah Harriman-Stites

5 Sealand Drive, Newtown October 14, 2020