Originally published by Hartford Courant–
In a recent letter to the Courant, Larry Lazor, who is a Republican running to represent the 1st Congressional District, made the all-to-common mistake of telling Hartford residents what we should want without first asking us what we need. Except for a stint as a U.S Army combat soldier in Vietnam, I have called North Hartford my home for more than six decades. If candidate Lazor had asked me, I could have told him that our city’s most pressing needs are clear and straightforward — federal investment in jobs, health care support services and more resources to enhance public safety.
Unlike Mr. Lazor, current Congressman John Larson has been very present in our neighborhoods, listening to our needs. His role in securing federal infrastructure dollars will create many new, good-paying jobs. John Larson has a history of listening to Hartford and, more importantly, he then acts to help. When the pandemic threatened local businesses, Congressman Larson brought the Small Business Administration into our community to discuss possible resources. He also brought the Congressional Black Caucus to Hartford to better understand our needs. His office has been closely involved in educating local citizens on ways to pursue rental and other federal assistance. If Larry Lazor intends to represent my city in Congress, he can start by doing what John Larson has been doing for years – walk the streets you’re talking about – and listen.”