To the Editor:

The whisper campaign around town against Jennifer Aguilar for state representative focuses on her lack of political experience. Myself and her many supporters firmly believe that her real life, “hands on within the community” experience is far more valuable than political office experience, and what we need more of here in Monroe. Holding your own in politics is something easily learned and there are plenty of mentors available for that part of the job. Having the pulse of the community, knowing where they struggle and where they succeed, and what challenges we face as a town in the short and long term ahead, can only be gained at the front line alongside the people you would be representing. Jen’s been at the heart of this community understanding those challenges, not from behind a podium, but next to the citizens and helping be their voice.

Jen's experience advocating for our youngest residents has been as the co-President of Fawn Hollow PTO and the Parent’s Council, as well as the Girl Scouts, Trick or Trunk, and as secretary of the Monroe Youth Commission. She has been a strong supporter and active fundraiser for three years with the Project Warmth Committee raising funds for heating assistance, and the first selectman appointed her to the EMS Facility Search Committee to research locations for our emergency services personnel and vehicles. These positions were achieved not through elected authority, but through her accomplished reputation of resourcefulness, dedication, and passion.

I want my next state representative to act like an elected official, not a politician. I want someone who has repeatedly demonstrated good judgment and common-sense decision making driven by a strong moral value. I’m not looking to have someone who can spin doctor a situation, who touts that they are endorsed by board chairs of their same party, and who demonstrates saying one thing and doing the opposite. To me, it is far better for our state rep to know their way around Monroe than to know their way around Hartford. Please vote for Jen Aguilar on November 4th and avoid politics as usual.

Kelly Plunkett

34 Kettle Creek Lane, Monroe                    October 20, 2014