To the Editor:

I’m writing to add my voice to the chorus of support for Rebekah Harriman-Stites, who is running to represent Newtown in Hartford.

In the 12-plus years I’ve known Rebekah, she’s amazed me with her singular knack for bringing people together. When she identifies opportunities for people to connect —as friends, as colleagues, as a community — she makes it happen. Scan Rebekah’s background, and you’ll see her talent for building bridges: securing grants to support local initiatives, leading regional business councils, heading Middlegate’s PTA, and subsequently serving on Newtown’s Board of Education.

Nowhere does Rebekah shine brighter than when she’s forging bonds between fellow Newtown residents. For example — In 2010, a freak October snow storm effectively canceled Halloween. Undaunted, Rebekah sprang into action and organized an impromptu “Trunk or Treat” event at Treadwell Park. Something like 100 families came with their children. Not only did a beloved October tradition carry on, but parents had an informal way to share post-storm next steps. We swapped clean-up resources and took comfort knowing we were all in this together. Like so many efforts initiated by Rebekah, what began as a simple plan for connecting families became a critical means of moving us forward.

More than ever, we need a coalition-builder like Rebekah representing Newtown in Hartford. We need someone able to forge bonds and solve problems in a way that strengthens our incredible community. On November 6, please vote for Rebekah Harriman-Stites for State Representative.

Sincerely,

Barbara Sibley

39 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook         October 31, 2018