Our 2020 endorsements

All Americans who have followed the presidential race, and surely that includes all who read this page, know their vote is more important this year than ever. The intense polarization of American politics has led to a situation that is untenable, and the current Trump administration is destructive for the general health not only of the public, but of the nation itself. Things must change. 

There are readers of this newspaper who will disagree and who feel that Donald Trump is a good president. But between his corrupt colleagues (some of whom are now in jail as a result of their criminal activities), his mishandling of and lack of honesty about the COVID-19 pandemic, his embrace of conspiracy theories, his chaotic approach to governing, his erratic behavior, his open admiration for dictators and constant misrepresentation of the truth, there can be no agreement here with that sentiment. He must go, and Joe Biden should step into the role seamlessly and will bring a sense of professionalism and decency that is much needed in Washington, the nation and the world at this time. His running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, will make an excellent vice president, with her years of experience serving the public as a district attorney, attorney general and senator for California. 

Biden has said his motivation to run for the office of president was the aftermath of the white supremacist and neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017, when Trump said there were good people on both sides of the march. Biden is on the right side of history on this and will work to build bridges for equality in our society rather than inciting violence. His ability to work with both sides of the aisle in Congress should usher in a new era of cooperative action, and his international experience will bring a more mature and democratic approach to diplomacy. We endorse Biden.

For the 5th District congressional seat in Washington, our endorsement goes to incumbent Jahana Hayes, a relative newcomer to politics who overcame a lack of support from the state Democrats to win in 2018. During her tenure she has worked to understand her district from end to end. She has sponsored legislation supporting veterans and their families, increasing mental health care accessibility, supporting educators, addressing racism and keeping guns out of classrooms. Hayes’ background as a teacher gives her insight into the struggles families and educators face, and she has been especially sensitive to those needs during the pandemic. She and her husband, a police officer in Waterbury, both tested positive for COVID-19, but she has continued to push through its effects to keep her constituents’ needs paramount. Her open communication on the repercussions of COVID on her and her family, as well as about a racist attack she experienced during a Zoom meeting recently, should only increase her credibility as a caring and determined leader.

In the state races, the 30th Senate seat is being sought by incumbent Republican Craig Miner of Litchfield and Democrat David Gronbach of New Milford. Neither candidate is ideologically extreme. Gronbach has even said he agrees with Miner on multiple issues, such as lowering property taxes and other taxes on the middle class, rebuilding infrastructure and increasing economic development. Miner has the challenge of having had to work with the Democratic majority in the Senate to get things done. But he has been responsive to the needs of his constituents during COVID-19, working with businesses and individuals to help them through the traumatic events of the pandemic. Either of these candidates will serve the 30th well, but Gronbach, as a Democrat, has more chance to fulfill his goals for the 30th if the Democratic majority remains in place after the election. We hope that happens. 

State Rep. Maria Horn won the seat for the 64th District from then-incumbent Brian Ohler in 2018, as part of a wave of women pursuing and taking office in the wake of the start of the #MeToo movement and Trump’s first two years in office. Both these candidates bring enthusiasm and dedication to their service for their constituents. Horn has been thoughtful, open, transparent and a good communicator, regularly informing residents about the weekly work of governing. She has worked hard to master the learning curve of legislative work by listening to all sides of an issue and making well-researched choices in her voting.

Ohler was also open and communicative as a representative, and made himself available to his constituents at any time to help them with any problems with which government might help. He served the 64th well, and would do so again. Our endorsement, however, goes to Horn, who deserves a chance to deepen her knowledge and her strength as a representative for the 64th District.

All that said, we know that most voters’ minds are made up, and that many have already voted. Here’s hoping that Connecticut handles its ballots well and all votes are counted in a very timely way. And if you haven’t yet, please do vote; vote safely, vote in a distanced and masked environment if you do it in person, but by all and any means, vote.