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By Dave Holman

On Tuesday November 5th, we all have the responsibility to vote in the most consequential election of our lifetime. Most of us know what is at stake in the Presidential election, but our local elections are just as important and just as consequential. Specifically, Democrat Christine Cohen is running for reelection for the State Senate in the 12th District which encompasses Branford, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, Middlefield, and North Branford, and Democrat Moira Rader is running for reelection for the State House in the 98th District which encompasses Guilford and Branford.

Fortunately, they both have voting records, and both have filled out candidate questionnaires from various groups, which we can analyze.

For instance, both Christine Cohen and Moira Rader filled out a 2024 Connecticut State Working Families Party Candidate Questionnaire (meant to ascertain their priorities and "amplify the goals of the broader progressive movement"), and both have been endorsed by the CT-WFP as a result of their answers to this questionnaire. Some of the questions included "Will you pledge to oppose the creation of any new charter schools and fight against the increasing state funding for any charter school already in operation?" "Do you support restoring voting rights to all people despite their criminal history or current incarceration." "Will you support legislation that allows local municipalities to enable non-citizen voting in their local elections and referendums?" Will you oppose any Right to Work Legislation in Connecticut?" "Would you support expanding access to the state's HUSKY healthcare program to all undocumented individuals, regardless of age?" "Do you support creation of a Public Option health insurance program (and would you) publicly champion its creation?"

Another questionnaire which both Christine and Moira filled out was from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters entitled "2024 Candidate Survey on the Environment." Both answered yes to the following questions: "Do you support Connecticut's adoption of the latest California emissions standards for cars and trucks?" "Will you support an Environmental Rights Amendment to our State Constitution?" "Should Connecticut pursue Ranked Choice Voting?" (Christine Cohen also answered yes to the following questions in a "2020 Candidate Survey on the Environment", "100% Zero Carbon: Do you support codifying this legislation?" and "Do you support a requirement to teach climate change education in public schools?")

Finally, both Christine and Moira filled out a 2022 Connecticut Education Association Legislative Candidate Questionnaire in which they both answered yes to the following questions: "CEA believes that public dollars should support public schools. No public money should be diverted to privately operated schools through public tax credits for individuals or businesses, or through vouchers, direct payments, money-follows-the-child schemes, or any other means ... I will oppose any funding that diverts funding away from traditional public schools." And "will you oppose all proposals that would censor teachers from teaching about inclusion, diversity and equity?" (Additionally, Moria Rader also answered yes to the following question on a 2021 Guilford Education Association Board of Education Candidate Questionnaire which asked, "Will you pledge to include the local teacher's union in discussions surrounding all matters related to your school district, it's schools and its funding?")

Do Christine Cohen and Moira Rader's answers to the above questions reflect your values? Do you want them representing you in our state legislature? Please do your homework before casting your vote on November 5th. Your vote matters and the stakes couldn't be higher.

Dave Holman is a resident of Guilford, Connecticut.

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