To the Editor:

As someone who has known and worked alongside with Jen Aguilar for a number of years, I feel compelled to address something I’ve seen floating about as the campaigns move towards November. 

It has to do with “experience.”

It is true that Jen doesn't have elected experience.  Her record lies in her long record of community service, from working with Girl Scouts, to creating the Monroe Trick or Trunk, to raising funds for Project Warmth.  Jen even served hot meals at the Senior Center during our extended power outages of the last few years.  She didn't do these things to gain “experience.” She did them because she loves our town and wants to make it better.

Elected experience isn't what makes someone good at this job.  DebraLee Hovey didn't have any elected experience when she became state representative.  What makes someone good at this job is being able to listen to people and work hard.  Someone who is honest and consistent.

I was surprised, therefore, to hear that JP had actually voted to raise taxes consistently as a Town Council member, even though his campaign literature talks about affordability and tax reduction. I was also shocked to learn that in 2009 he had voted to eliminate the economic development coordinator position from Town Hall while explaining how we need to attract small businesses in town.  Another shocker came in the form of his vote in 2013 against a counselor to help social services address mental health issues, while this year stating that mental health is one of his priorities. He mentions a Sierra Club endorsement but yet voted to reduce funding in 2009 to both our water pollution authority and conservation commissions.  Finally, he talks about public safety as his niche but just last year voted to reduce funding to both our police and fire departments.

Jen Aguilar is a “what you see is what you get” kind of person.  She does what she says and says what she does.  She works hard and gets the job done.  That’s the kind of person I want in Hartford.  Don’t you?

Amy Primorac

320 Cross Hill Road, Monroe                       October 21, 2014