To the Editor:
In every election, we’re asked to choose leaders who reflect our community’s values and who will act in its best interest. As a longtime advocate for older adults and their families, I believe it’s time we acknowledge a simple truth—our seniors deserve a stronger voice in the decisions that shape our future.
Today, over 17% of our town’s population is now over the age of 65, a proportion that continues to grow. They built the foundation we stand upon, the schools we take pride in, the emergency services we rely on, and the healthcare infrastructure that supports us all. Their values—resilience, service, sacrifice—have long anchored this community.
Penny Young has served with distinction on not only the town council, but in support of the town’s Health and Human Services Commission and its charter. The health and safety of our community has always been Penny’s lifelong mission. We need leaders who bring institutional knowledge, measured judgment, and a steady hand.
Unfortunately, public discourse has become increasingly polarized, with too much attention on personal attacks and too little on policy, integrity, and experience. But if we look beyond the noise, we will find candidates who have quietly and consistently devoted themselves to volunteering, caregiving, healthcare, education, and civic life.
Leadership should be about wisdom, perspective, and commitment to the common good. Penny Young brings those qualities in abundance.
I encourage my neighbors to look closely at every candidate—at their record, their values, and the depth of their experience. Let’s not allow baseless rhetoric to distract us from what truly matters. Our community deserves thoughtful leadership, and Penny Young is the right person at the right time to continue to serve our community.
Sincerely,
Russell Barksdale, Jr.
a New Canaan resident
