The Westport Journal has received more letters in support of both candidates for the 26^th state Senate seat in the Nov. 8 elections: Democrat Ceci Maher and Republican Toni Boucher. The district is now represented by Democrat Will Haskell, who is not seeking re-election.

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Toni Boucher: all the right qualities

First, the right priorities.

(1) Education excellence: Our kids are worth it. Local voices especially parents strengthen our schools’ character.

(2) Localized Zoning. Towns know best about their own needs and treasures. The whole reason for zoning was to move control from Hartford to the towns. Later re-centralization decimated affordable small dwellings on large developments, because they “didn’t count.”

(3) Safety from crime. (4) Unburdening taxpayers.

Second, knowing what to do, exactly. Third, knowing how to do it. Toni’s mastery of educational governance is unsurpassed. As member and chair of Wilton’s Board of Education, Commissioner on Connecticut’s State Board of Education, co-chair of the legislature’s Education Committee, and seven-time Children’s Champion Award (just examples) she knows every hard question and how to address it. Multiple elections to leadership prove she’s esteemed for effectiveness.

Relocated after 27 years in Wilton, with two terms each on Wilton P&Z and Board of Education, I acclaim Toni as a friend, mentor, architect and builder of unity and good works, always possessing an informed vision of the future and readiness to shape it wisely, as a public servant, not a politician.

John Benson

Chesapeake, Ohio

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Dear 2022 voter in the 26th Senate District,

I am enthusiastically adding my name to those endorsing Ceci Maher to be the next senator in our 26th District.

I have given considerable thought to the issues that are important to our state. I have read Ceci’s materials, listened to her campaign, and made comparisons. Ceci has convinced me, as well as many of my colleagues, that she is the right person to represent our community in Hartford.

I am encouraging voters to vote for Ceci Maher on Nov. 8. 

Ken Bernhard 

Westport

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Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Toni Boucher for Connecticut State Senate.

As a former member of the New Canaan Board of Education (2013-2021) and chair (2015-2018), I had the opportunity to see first-hand the passion and commitment Toni holds for the children of Connecticut. 

Toni was always available to discuss pending legislation that would impact kids and schools and she was willing to really listen. Education has become a lightning rod recently; Toni has the knowledge and experience to bring us together for the benefit of all Connecticut’s kids.

We need Toni’s voice and experience back in Hartford!  

Dionna Carlson

New Canaan

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To the Editor:

I urge you to vote for Ceci Maher for Connecticut State Senator in the 26th District.

Ceci has knocked on the doors of over 4,000 people in the district and I’ve had the honor of accompanying her on at least 400 of those visits.

She wants to hear what’s on people’s minds and how she can address their concerns in the Senate. Infrastructure, the environment, the economy, mental health, women’s reproductive rights, gun violence protection and safety, housing, and the bitter political divide are all top of mind.

Ceci has answers, experience and the proven track record to deliver meaningful results to everyday people, meeting needs within fiscally responsible budgets. Her endorsements back her record.

You can trust Ceci. Over our 35-year friendship, I have witnessed her diligence and integrity in all aspects of life.

Ceci is smart, doesn’t accept the status quo and will work and fight to improve the lives and safety of every single constituent in the 26th. Ceci doesn’t make promises, she makes commitments and works fiercely to see them through. Let’s move forward with Ceci, protect our democracy and count on action. A vote for Ceci on Nov. 8 is a vote for a better, brighter Connecticut.

Carrie Myers

Norwalk

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Four years ago, our state faced a chronic fiscal crisis with persistent budget deficits and crippling tax increases.

Thanks to forward-thinking Democratic leadership, Connecticut weathered the storm and came out stronger. The results: a $4.3-billion surplus, a $3.3 billion rainy day fund, and the largest tax reduction in Connecticut’s history.

I’m proud of that work and grateful to have been Westport’s voice in the State Senate for the last four years. I’m not running for re-election this year, and voters in the 26th District are presented with two diametrically opposed visions for how to build on this forward momentum. Toni Boucher portrays Connecticut as on the brink of disaster, overburdened by taxes, and struggling economically.

Frankly, these talking points are outdated. Ceci Maher knows how far we’ve come and where we need to go. She doesn’t just complain about problems — she offers real plans to modernize our infrastructure, reduce gun violence, protect reproductive healthcare and more.

She’ll tell you what she’s for, not just what she’s against. As the former executive director at Sandy Hook Promise and Person-to-Person, she is ready for this job on Day 1.

That’s why she earned my endorsement, along with CT Against Gun Violence, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Chris Murphy.

The choice this November is backwards or forwards, and I hope we choose to move forward. Join me in voting for a better, brighter Connecticut. Join me in voting for Ceci Maher on Nov. 8.

Will Haskell

State senator, 26th District

Westport