Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Jonathan Steinberg, Connecticut’s State Representative for the 136th District.

I encourage all Westporters to get out and vote, as soon as possible (early voting has started), for Lee Goldstein to replace me as State Representative for the 136th District.

After sixteen years serving Westport in the state Legislature, I think I have a pretty good sense of what it takes to be effective in Hartford on the town’s behalf.  Lee Goldstein has what it takes to hit the ground running and make a real difference.

There are certain characteristics that, in my opinion, are critical to be successful in this role.  

Smarts:  Lee has demonstrated her intelligence and common sense as Chair of our Board of Education. Oftentimes, it comes down to discerning what’s really important.  Lee always does her homework, which is reflected in the way she interacts with her board colleagues, school administration and staff, and the public.  These are precisely the skills needed to excel in the hurly burly of state government.

Tenacity: There’s no doubt that Lee has strong convictions and embraces Westport values.  But it’s the determination and courage to see it through that makes all the difference.  Anything worth doing in the Legislature takes time and a lot of effort, and Lee’s shown she’s prepared to persevere on the issues that matter to us, no matter what it takes.

Pragmatism: When things get heated in Hartford, it’s easy to lose perspective and devolve to partisanship.  Working successfully with Republicans on the BoE, I’m convinced that Lee will take that relationship-building talent to Hartford.  As a long-time Moderate in House Democrats, I have fought for fiscal responsibility, ever harder in the face of federal cuts to essential services like healthcare and education. I know that Lee will also focus on striking the right balance between funding key programs and maintaining the structure of the fiscal guardrails that have put our state on more sound fiscal footing, paying down over $11 billion in pension debt.

Candor:  Anybody who interacts with Lee knows precisely what I mean.  I have always tried to be a straight-shooter and I admire anyone who chooses stating the bald truth over political triangulation.  She doesn’t overpromise. Her integrity will be particularly helpful in the negotiations to reach consensus and get bills passed.

In sum, Lee Goldstein checks all the boxes. I look forward to watching what I expect to be a long and successful career for Lee, always working for Westport. 

And you don’t have to wait for Election Day to make that possible. Vote for Lee, NOW!

Jonathan Steinberg
Bushy Ridge Road
Westport, CT