Letter: Demand Better Representation For Fairfield

Dear editor,

One of the benefits of living in a town like Fairfield is the opportunity to meet and engage with your state representative. They reside in our neighborhoods and oftentimes have children in the same school system. They understand the issues and concerns of their district because they live them firsthand.

Recently, I reached out to my state representative, Jennifer Leeper, to discuss topical issues that are affecting Fairfield residents deeply. This included the school-wide mask mandate. While Rep. Leeper eventually responded to my concerns, she was dismissive, and it was clear that she was not interested in listening to different viewpoints. I quickly discovered this was a common theme amongst many residents that have approached her about issues affecting our town.

It is only when community members developed enough grassroot support would Rep. Leeper respond, by presenting one opinion to us while sending a different message to those supporting the continued masking of our children. She even had the audacity to deflect from advocating for her constituents or taking a stand, by stating in constituent emails “how we vote is determined by leadership.” Even worse, Rep. Leeper was the last representative to vote on an amendment that would have given parents the right to choose whether to mask their children in schools; many residents believe she only voted in favor once it was clear that her party had enough votes to block its passage, which is unfortunately common practice with one-party rule in Hartford.

As a town, we have witnessed property and juvenile crime reach a tipping point over this past year. I observed more of her same noncommittal behavior where she refused to offer an opinion, stated that there is not an increase in crime nor speak out against the recently adopted police accountability law that is hurting those in uniform. Instead, two forums were held, but no advocacy or ideas were proposed by her to address a criminal justice system that is out of balance. Lastly, the least consequential but most recent example of her inconsistencies pertains to her publicly complaining about a freedom of information request of her constituent email database, a database of constituents’ emails that she provides updates to that I am only on because she made the same request of the former state representative.

One of the greatest characteristics of this country is our diversity of ideas and opinions. We expect our elected officials to really listen to their constituents and expect them to take a firm stance that reflects the will of the people they represent. Unfortunately, in Fairfield, that representation has been lacking these past two years and it is time that we demand better.

Sincerely,

Cameron Choniski

Fairfield