To The Editor:

Amybeth Laroche has negotiated contracts for a living. Rob Blanchard built his career writing press releases to defend Hartford’s decisions and persuade the public that those decisions were justified. Those are not the same kind of experience, no matter how often they are presented that way.

Contract negotiation demands accountability. When a deal is poorly written, misses a hidden cost, or leaves someone exposed, the consequences are real. The most damaging provisions are rarely obvious; they are often buried in the fine print. A negotiator must recognize those risks, push back under pressure, and protect the interests of the people relying on that agreement. That is the kind of experience this district needs in Hartford.

Writing talking points for government officials is different. It is about explaining away failures, defending decisions after the fact, and making political insiders sound better than the results they have delivered. Voters should ask a simple question: if Rob Blanchard is elected, will he challenge Hartford when it is wrong — or will he continue defending it?

Our representative should not be another voice for the Hartford establishment. We need someone who will read the fine print, ask hard questions, stand firm in negotiations, and put this district ahead of political connections and public-relations messaging.

Amybeth Laroche has spent her career protecting her clients at the bargaining table. That is the experience — and the backbone — this district needs.

Vikki Carlson

Newtown