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 October 9, 2022.
I’m writing to support the re-election of Representative Christine Palm as Haddam’s representative to the Connecticut House of Representatives.
Representative Palm has worked tirelessly to support Haddam. In recent months, she has helped secure, along with Senator Norm Needleman, over $700,000 in state grants to help the town develop Higganum Center, the former Haddam Elementary School (HES), and the new Higganum Cove Town Park as resources for us all to enjoy. When HES, Higganum’s largest employer, was closed by the regional Board of Education, it had a deleterious impact on Higganum’s economy—there are now fewer workers, as well as fewer parents with children, in Higganum Center. As a result, stores closed or changed hands and the mix of businesses became less family-friendly.
Representative Palm and Senator Needleman recognized this problem and worked across party lines with Haddam’s leadership to secure significant funding for our community. These new dollars will develop a new playground and pickle ball courts, help fund a new roof for HES, and turn Higganum Cove Park into a real resource where residents can recreate and exercise. Together with our town securing funding for Scovil Mill, and planned sidewalks and development that link it all together, we could be seeing a new era for Higganum! Representative Palm’s commitment to her district has helped to bring this about.
Representative Palm has also been a leader on environmental issues. As Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, she has helped author legislation on cleaner air, improving education on the environment and climate change, and importantly for Haddam, helped secure passage HB 5143, An Act Establishing an Office of Aquatic Invasive Species. Plants like hydrilla, water chestnut and milfoil are devastating our rivers and waterways all throughout the Connecticut River Valley, and this bill has great significance to the towns of Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. Boating, fishing, and recreation on our beautiful river are major sources of enjoyment for Haddam residents. Invasive aquatic plants impact these boating and touring industries, prevent kayaking, and take a toll on other plant and animal species dependent upon a healthy water ecosystem.
Representative Palm is also a champion for women’s healthcare and rights, which is so significant now when those rights are under assault in parts of the country, as well as legislation supporting families, affordable housing and keeping Connecticut a healthy, positive place for us all. I know personally that Christine is a loving mother and a great friend, who always makes herself available for feedback and to hear our concerns. She works tirelessly for Haddam, and it’s now time for us to step up for her to make her our Representative for two more years.
Peter Baird, Higganum
