The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received November 1, 2026.
As a Killingworth resident, parent of grown children, and someone who has spent a lot of time thinking about education, local government, and the challenges facing families in our towns, I look closely at the people who want to represent us in Hartford.
For me, the important questions are simple: Do they understand the issues that affect people here? Do they have relevant experience? Are they willing to listen? And do their priorities reflect the things residents are actually dealing with every day?
Cinzia Lettieri’s background and platform touch on many of those issues.
Affordability is one of her central priorities. That includes the rising costs of housing, utilities, health care, groceries, and everyday expenses, as well as the particular challenges facing older residents who want to remain in their homes and communities as they age.
Education is another major focus. Lettieri has more than 15 years of experience in education, public policy, and advocacy and currently works as a public-school teacher. Her education platform includes support for strong public schools while also recognizing that students need different pathways after graduation. Those can include college, trades, apprenticeships, manufacturing, and other career opportunities.
That broader view of education matters to me. My own children are grown, but I still believe the strength of our schools affects the strength of our communities. At the same time, preparing young people for the future means recognizing that there is no single path to success.
Infrastructure is another issue that has a very real impact on our small towns. Roads, bridges, schools, wastewater systems, and other public infrastructure are expensive, and Lettieri has emphasized the importance of securing state and federal funding to help communities address those needs.
Her experience includes service on Clinton’s Planning and Zoning Commission, the Water Pollution Control Commission, and the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality. That work connects directly to many of the issues facing this district, including development, infrastructure, environmental protection, and long-term planning.
Her platform also addresses small businesses, housing, clean energy, shoreline protection, and women’s health care, including reproductive health, contraception, IVF, and access to breast cancer screening and early detection.
What stands out to me is the range of issues involved in representing a district like ours. Residents are concerned about taxes, schools, aging in place, housing, infrastructure, health care, the environment, and the future of our local economy. None of these issues exists in isolation.
For anyone trying to understand Cinzia Lettieri as a candidate, her record, professional background, and stated priorities provide a useful picture of the perspective she would bring to representing Clinton, Killingworth, and Westbrook in Hartford.
I want a representative who will listen, show up, work hard, and fight to make sure our small towns have a meaningful voice at the state level.
For me, Cinzia Lettieri is that person, and I am proud to support her for State Representative.
