To the Editor,
Let me be frank upfront: I have NEVER worked for a local candidate, let alone a Democrat, before 2022. I was raised in a Republican household at a time when major parties differed on policies but never on civility and the importance of defending democracy at home and abroad.
Things changed for the country in 2016, and for me those changes came home to Greenwich in 2020. My State Representative was a MAGA devotee and voted “No” on most all legislation, thus depriving me and my family and my neighbors of numerous quality-of-life benefits. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines and volunteered to be the campaign Treasurer for Rachel Khanna, the newly selected Democratic candidate for the 149th District. As a candidate, Rachel went door-to-door, listened to our neighbors, and made promises that she unfailingly endeavored to keep in her legislative work in Hartford during the past two years. She prevailed in many cases. And she learned the value of working across the aisle and saw a 98% bipartisan coalition in the legislation she ultimately passed into law.
I don’t have to agree with every policy that Democrats propose… although lowering taxes, protecting local control, defending the environment and strengthening public safety are compelling. However, I do agree that only one party is standing between tyranny and us. That is why I will be voting straight Democratic this election. I hope for the sake of our country and our towns that you do, too.
Diane Kretschmann
