Submitted by Gail Lauridsen
Dear Editor,
State Representative Kimberly Fiorello came to my attention last year when she addressed the Greenwich Board of Education. With common sense, clear thinking and articulate presentation, she passionately made a case for curriculum transparency and strict adherence to Connecticut laws. Intrigued, I immediately subscribed to the Fiorello newsletter. Every few days now, I get an email detailing CT House Bills which are being proposed and passed – details not typically shared by our legacy media. Not only does Rep. Fiorello read and understand these many complicated documents, she extracts the essence of them into a readable newsletter for constituents. I recommend to everyone – regardless of political affiliation – subscribe to Rep. Fiorello’s newsletter for the information it provides.
One of Rep. Fiorello’s newsletters alerted me to House Bill 5429 – An Act Concerning Transit-Oriented Development. This Democrat-sponsored bill was presented, as usual, on a silver platter of lovely terms such as: “Cost-efficient”, “environmentally sustainable”, “affordable housing”, “pedestrian safety” and “preservation of natural spaces”. It took a very small amount of digging to realize the permanent, devastating impact this bill would have had on our town. With its four train stations, Greenwich would have been forced to offer up 502 acres to HB5429, potentially adding over 30,000 dwelling units to our current 24,000 units! The only benefit of HB5429 would have been to major building developers in the form of massive profits. Thankfully the bill was not passed, due in no small part to Rep. Fiorello’s tireless efforts. She displayed admirable knowledge, stamina and grace throughout the course of a very long public hearing (over 12 hours) on Zoom, asking all the right questions of her Democrat opposition, and providing all the right answers. Powerful testimony by residents was due to Rep. Fiorello’s outreach in the days preceding the hearing. I am not aware of a harder-working public servant.
I am proud to say I can now call Kim a dear friend. She is warm, kind, down to earth and always willing to talk and debate the work of our legislature. In discussion, Kim is intelligent, thoughtful and graciously willing to give consideration to differing opinions. Above all, she always has the best interests of “the people” at heart. There is no ulterior motive, no sense of entitlement, no hidden agenda. This world would be a better place if every politician would exhibit Kim’s integrity and work ethic.
Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, and is the first American of Korean descent to serve in the Connecticut legislature – a tribute to the joy of American diversity. She learned about the horrors of communism at the knee of her grandmother who escaped North Korea. Kim reminds us that the freedom, liberty, and individual rights articulated in our Declaration of Independence, and guaranteed by our Constitution are what separate our country from all others. All her votes are based on the assurances set forth in those documents rather than the results of backroom dealmaking. This is admirable integrity in a political system which appears to be rife with corruption.
I’ve been baffled by some unkind words which have been written about Representative Kimberly Fiorello; but the reason for those words now seems clear. Our far-left-leaning politicians (and some journalists) object the loudest at their most effective opposition. I suggest you don’t listen to the noise, and here’s why: The Democrat majority in our CT legislature are constantly churning out poison-filled bills – like HB5429 – on their silver platters of lovely-sounding names. Kimberly reads the poison bills, asks relevant questions, consults with subject matter experts, votes NO, then goes public with her knowledge. The opposition objects – viciously. Not only does Kimberly not buy their subterfuge, she fearlessly and loudly points out that the emperor is naked! Because of this, Rep. Kimberly Fiorello – champion of the people – has built an effective movement which is getting things done!
- The Fiorello movement stopped the worst of the Desegregate Zoning bills that would have had the state dictating local zoning and forcing housing density on us to the benefit of major developers. That’s a huge victory for not just Greenwich, but for all of Connecticut’s suburbs.
- The Fiorello movement shined a light on the practice of “double funding” schools; paying TWICE for each kid who chooses to go to a magnet school. We send money to both the magnet school AND the rejected neighborhood school. Kim helped prevent this practice from being codified into law. When questioned about the rationale of “double funding”, she explains: “Double funding” has only one purpose – to hold the unions harmless! So, while parents wish to pull their kids out of poorly-run public schools, our Democrat legislators wish to reward the failing administrations and teachers of those schools with additional funding.
- The Fiorello movement is fighting for school choice, while insisting on educational excellence and full accountability in our public schools. She believes getting education right in our state is the number one issue for our future, and I couldn’t agree more.
- The Fiorello movement, led by Kim, worked across the aisle to introduced and pass a food donation and environmental bill. The bill redirects edible foods out of the waste stream and into a donation stream, to help alleviate hunger. For a freshman legislator, this was a huge win!
In conclusion, Kimberly Fiorello has earned our support through hard work and integrity. Unlike most legislators who simply rubber-stamp bills based on party or group commitments, Kim reads, questions and debates, for the benefit of us all. She has shared with us these words: “You cannot judge a bill by its title… a mentor said to me, Kim, you can vote Yes or you can read the bill, but you cannot do both.” Kim takes it one step further. She is not just voting no; she is helping to fix problems and to educate her constituents. She has earned our trust and I hope you will join me in supporting State Representative Kimberly Fiorello for a second term.
Sincerely yours,
Gail Lauridsen
These are my own thoughts and words, not representative of any committee or organization. -GL