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Focus on What Matters

It’s disheartening, although not surprising, to see another letter from Frederick Rodriguez in The Courier. Last year, Mr. Rodriguez was removed from his position as the vice-chair of the North Haven Democratic Town Committee (DTC) by people who were disappointed in his leadership. Now, he thinks his sour grapes should be a community affair. But ultimately voters want to know who will make sure their kids are safe, their bills aren’t too high, and that they have an inclusive and welcoming community. In a year when I believe Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Project 2025 threaten to strip us of our rights and transform our democracy, and our elected state senator (who ran unopposed under Mr. Rodriguez’s leadership) seems to have been using his office to enrich himself, we’re too busy for provincial drama that doesn’t reflect the broader Democratic coalition energized by the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz campaign. We need to build a government that works.

Locally, we witness a similar energy behind Brandi Mandato, a dedicated civil servant running for State Senate with 20 years of policy experience helping the most vulnerable, and Kieran Ahern, a fresh young voice who wishes to be North Haven’s new state representative and who cares about impending climate catastrophe and strengthening labor protections.  Brandi and Kieran are offering real solutions to the issues troubling our town and listening for ways they can make North Haven’s voice heard in Hartford.

Mr. Rodriguez is free to be as mad as he wants at the DTC, but I hope the next time we hear from him he chooses to publicly weigh in on the important issues of the day. Public smears turn good people off from local politics. Criticism without contribution helps no one. Let’s keep it out of the newspapers and focus on what matters.

Tim Gabriele

North Haven