Q&A with election winners

news | 5 Q&A: local election winners share plans

Julia Herlyn ’23 Lucy Dockter ’23 Editors-in-Chief

On Nov. 8, Westport residents casted their ballots for the midterm elections. Ultimately, Dominique Johnson was elected as State Representative for the 143rd District, Ceci Maher was elected as State Senator for the 26th District and Jonathan Steinberg was elected as State Representative of the 136th District.

Q: What are your most important goals around education in CT? Q: Do you have advice for students who want to make a difference?

“Making sure we can keep schools open, even if a virus like COVID rears its ugly head this winter and [discourages] dual learning protocols which may lead to too much remote teaching; and looking at ways to direct funding in disadvantaged districts which have the optimal impact on learning.” Jonathan Steinberg State Representative

Photo contributed by Jonathan Steinberg

“Find something you’re passionate about, do your research and then figure a way in which you can take action and, ideally, make a difference. Urgent issues like climate change mean that everyone has a role to play, no matter how small.”

“We must make classrooms safer and prevent gun violence. So many students are worried about school safety and lock-down drills, affecting every grade level, and every parent. This has to change. Rather than putting the burden on students we need to take strong action to increase gun control.”

“I have heard from young people in our district that providing additional mental health support is crucial. I also deeply believe you should be able to be your whole selves in school and celebrated for who you are so you can thrive. So equity and inclusion in education and the student-led initiatives to achieve this is something I want to be very supportive of as well.” Ceci Maher State Senator

Photo contributed by Ceci Maher

Dominique Johnson State Representative

Photo contributed by Dominique Johnson

“You won’t settle for a future marred by climate change, the horrors of gun violence or a future where we don’t protect basic freedoms. Neither will I. You’re fighting for a better future, and I’ll fight alongside you. Using your voice and sharing your knowledge will help create a stronger community.”

“Start anywhere where you have a passion for making our community better. No way is too small to make an impact. Every action is part of a change we can make together. [...] I want to use my role as an elected official to galvanize young voters like you to engage civically and politically because to win these fights we will need GenXYZ to mobilize together intergenerationally as a movement focused on the future.”