To the Editor:

Someone recently sent a letter [The Newtown Bee, October 16, 2020 “Writer Speculates: ‘Does Rebekah Like Newtown?’”] to you suggesting Democratic candidate Rebekah Harriman-Stites doesn’t like Newtown. The letter was full of ugly dog whistles, slander, and outright falsehoods.

In light of what happened during Rep Hayes’ Zoom call with Newtown residents, I can’t believe The Bee would give this kind of hatred a platform, especially when the paper claimed in August that letters must “adhere to our standards of decency.” We all need to do better to combat racism — not perpetuate it in our community.

Rebekah’s response [The Newtown Bee, October 16, 2020 “Rebekah Loves Newtown, For Many Reasons”] has more grace than I ever could have drummed up, so I implore readers to check her letter out. Anyone who has ever met Rebekah knows of her character and that she does in fact, love Newtown.

Here’s why she is the right candidate for Newtown right now.

*Rebekah is a force of energy. Her experience as a small business owner, community advocate, and in non-profit work shows that she knows how to get things done with the resources she’s given.

*Rebekah has a tremendous sense of community. On top of her work on the Board of Education, she has cultivated numerous relationships across this town with local businesses, youth organizations, and seniors.

*Rebekah knows the issues that are affecting Newtown residents, whether it’s economic growth, property taxes, or increasing access to educational services for all Newtown children. And yes, she understands we can do a better job of making this a more welcoming community for people of color, different faiths, and the LGBTQ community.

*Rebekah acts when Newtown residents need her. Over the summer when the power was out for many of us, she responded to several calls for help.

Please join me in voting for Rebekah Harriman-Stites for State Rep on November 3.

Gabe Perna

1 Possum Ridge Road, Newtown October 16, 2020