Enfield is on the Rise

Since being sworn in last November, the new Democratic majorities on the Town Council and the Board of Education have hit the ground running. Their main goals are to improve the town and fix what voters voiced as their main concerns. Education is at the forefront of these concerns, with citizens of Enfield wanting better for their children.

To quote Benjamin Franklin on education, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." With a major investment in prioritizing education, a new teacher contract has been approved. This will be a massive win in regaining and retaining teachers, after losing over a hundred in 2025. This is the first of many investments in improving our school system, especially after such hard hits last term. If we want Enfield to prosper and continue to grow as a community, we need to focus on making it a place where families want to raise their children. Having good teachers and keeping them are key components of that.

Another win in investing in our children is creating and funding a 5th-grade music program. Arts are at the core of humanity, and fostering a love for the arts and music is integral to the healthy development of children. Studies show that participating in extracurricular activities increases students' GPAs. To directly cite a study by Rice University and Brookings, where there was an increase in funding of the arts in middle schools and elementary schools in Houston, “(There was a)...3.6 percentage point reduction in disciplinary infractions, an improvement of 13 percent of a standard deviation in standardized writing scores, and an increase of 8 percent of a standard deviation in their compassion for others…” These studies show just how greatly the arts are needed in the development of well-rounded members of our society. As councilor Maya Nicole Matthews said, "We're in favor of our students and enriching their experience in Enfield public schools."

More than focusing on education, the Democratic majority has been preparing a major road improvement plan. The goal is to restore over 17 miles of worn-down roads across town. Bad roads damage our vehicles, causing more wear and tear than normal. This costs us, the individuals and citizens of Enfield, thousands of dollars out of our own pockets. Aiming to fix worn-down, damaged roads will benefit Enfield denizens, not only by saving us money, but by making roads safer overall. Major throughways, such as Post Rd, Post Office Rd, and Raffia Rd, are stated to get very much needed improvements, which will aid not only in saving individuals money, but also in proper road care, including snow removal in the winter.

Moreover, a plan to hire more custodial staff is in place. In the present moment, we are understaffed. With this, our current custodial staff is forced to work overtime just to keep up with demand. The hiring of more staff will mean we, as a town, are properly equipped for all our custodial needs. This will save the town money by paying the normal pay rate instead of overtime, all while keeping our buildings clean. This will also aid our current custodial staff with work-life balance, helping retain the staff we do have, and preventing turnover.

Children aren’t the only members of our society being prioritized. Enfield Democrats have authorized a senior tax credit for the fiscal year 2027. This creates a program that will give seniors who spend their time giving back to our community a reward for their hard work. For spending 75 hours a year working with and for approved non-profits, citizens 65 years and older will receive a tax credit of up to 400 dollars. The people of this town volunteer regardless of any benefit for themselves, so if they can look out for their neighbors, it's only fair that we look out for them. Moreover, the town has restored $13,000 in funding to the warming center, which had been removed by the previous Republican town council. This is one of the most empathetic and overall impactful issues of this town council, which aids those who need us most. We have had an unusually cold winter, with some of the heaviest snowfall we've had in years, so taking care of those who are subject to the elements is paramount. Programs like these help keep our homeless populace safe and warm from the effects of these harsh conditions. It is our duty to take care of everyone in Enfield, regardless of housing status. To use the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “There is not a man of us who does not at times need a helping hand to be stretched out to him, and then shame upon him who will not stretch out the helping hand to his brother.”

In sum, the Democratic majority on the Town Council and Board of Ed are prioritizing the health, cultivation, and prosperity of its people. These changes are just the start of a term of improvements with the citizens of Enfield in mind. With this small glimpse into the future, we can start seeing the foundation of the Enfield of tomorrow, in the reflection of the Enfield of today.

Your town constable, Justukas "Justyn" Valentine.