Please Follow us on Gab, Minds, Telegram, Rumble, Gettr, Truth Social, Twitter

By Ben Lewis

As a 27-year-old West Hartford resident and first time candidate for Town Council, I’ve thrown myself into this race with a simple goal: to serve my community with practical solutions, open ears, and a commitment to progress. Running my first campaign has been a whirlwind of door knocking, community events, and tough conversations. What’s been eye opening, is the onslaught of liberal social media warriors who’ve decided I’m the enemy without ever hearing me out. Their refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue has been astonishing and it’s a roadblock to the progress West Hartford desperately needs.

I’m no stranger to criticism. As a business minded conservative, I expected pushback in a town where Democrats hold a strong majority. What I didn’t anticipate was the roster of keyboard warriors who blanket me daily with labels, not knowing a single thing about my platform. I’m running on lower property taxes, safer streets, protecting families, and preserving our neighborhood charm. These are ideas rooted in common sense, not ideology. Yet, these critics don’t bother with independent research. They see “Republican” and unleash a barrage of tired, disproven slanders, recycled from their weak leaders. When I respond in the comments, addressing their concerns with facts, they don’t acknowledge the correction. They just pivot to the next baseless attack, as if truth is irrelevant.

Here’s my approach, I reach out to every constituent who voices a concern, regardless of party. I’ve invited countless democrats, to sit down for coffee and talk face to face. I believe progress comes from listening, debating, and finding common ground, not from sniping on social media. Almost none of these self proclaimed “concerned Democrats” have taken me up on the offer. They ignore it entirely, retreating to their next Facebook “gotcha” moment, chasing likes to feel good about themselves. Their lives seem to revolve around that fleeting dopamine hit, not the future of West Hartford. It’s all identity politics, fueled by a secluded news bubble screaming “Trump evil” all day long, consuming their entire worldview.

The irony? Their relentless attacks only boost my campaign’s visibility. Every nasty comment on my posts drives up my algorithm, putting my message in front of more voters. They think they’re making an impact, but they’re amplifying the very ideas they claim to oppose. It’s almost comical, but it’s also sad. Denying conversation with someone you disagree with isn’t just unproductive, it’s as un-American as it gets. Our country was built on debate, on hashing out differences to find solutions. Shutting that down in favor of hate betrays the values we all claim to hold dear.

West Hartford deserves better. On November 4, we have a chance to choose leaders who listen, engage, and prioritize our town’s real issues, skyrocketing taxes, public safety, and community unity over social media clout. My door is always open, and so is my coffee invitation. Let’s talk, not type, and build a stronger future together.

Ben Lewis is a Candidate for West Hartford Town Council.

‘NO AD’ subscription for CDM!  Sign up here and support real investigative journalism and help save the republic!‘