Voting Contest proceeds remain in the community

Contributed committee cochairs Maria Yankura and Dianna Ramadei, along with treasurer Cindy Golia, presented a check to Carla Picard from North Haven Community Services, and to Emily Jenkins, director of the North Haven Library Children's Department.

See Proceeds, A12

From A9

need the state investment into elections to help support these initiatives, and we also need to get the word out to the voters about all these changes.”

Leslie Blank of Norwalk, who submitted written testimony for the hearing, said Connecticut voters “want choice” and that the legislature must implement and fund voters’ wishes on the matter.

“CT Voters have spoken not once, but twice, on referenda to move Connecticut into the 21st century on voting rights,” Blank wrote. “We cannot continue to wage in the company of Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire in restricting access to the ballot.”

Steve Zales, who didn’t identify his whereabouts in his written testimony, said if there is a state in this country that should be “ among the most voter-favorable, it should be Connecticut.”

“We need to change from being among the least favorable to among the most favorable, provide sufficient funds to support those efforts and communication vehicles to inform and educate the public so that those who would like to vote early can, ” Zales wrote. “Please take this opportunity to right the wrongs of decades before us, and let Connecticut voters be fully heard.”

Chen, talking to legislators on Zoom, said lawmakers supporting the voting measures communicates solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of constituents who made their wishes clear last November.

“And by association, you will be demonstrating your dedication to ensure that all eligible voters of Connecticut feel represented and valued,” the Yale student said.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

FD fundraiser

Upcoming fundraiser to benefit the family of fallen North Haven firefighter Matthias Wirtz: La Lupa Restaurant, 344 Washington Ave., will host a fundraiser with live entertainment Sunday, March 5 from 1 to 8 p.m. This event is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Food drive

North Haven Sons and Daughters of Italy’s Community Outreach Committee is coordinating a collection of non-perishable food items for distribution to the North Haven Community Services Food Bank. Items can be dropped off at the following locations by Friday, March