To The Editor:

I’ve heard people say they’ll sit this election out because it’s not a presidential year and it doesn't really matter. I’d ask them to look at who’s running for State Senate before they decide.

The state budget runs through that seat. So do property taxes, which in Connecticut are the third highest in the country. So do electric rates which are fourth highest in the country. And housing laws like 8-30g that let developers overrule the town's zoning laws in favor of whatever Hartford deems necessary. Pretty much everything people complain about at the dinner table gets voted on in Hartford by state senators.

Amybeth Laroche is the candidate I’m voting for. She’s been firmly against raising taxes of any kind, against all forms of cameras in town whether speed or Flock, she doesn’t answer to the Governor, and she makes her living reading contracts and negotiating better terms. That seems like the perfect fit for the job.

Polls are open through Sunday, November 1, for early voting, and then 6 am-8 pm Tuesday, November 3, for in-person voting. If you’re angry about your bills and other things that directly affect your everyday life, this is the one place you can do something about it. Vote, and please vote for Amybeth for state senator.

Vikki Carlson

Newtown