Dear: Governor, Mayor, & State Representatives

Politicians who advocate or stand for principles that aren’t representative of the City of Hartford won’t be able to mobilize the general public to vote on one accord. In Hartford, Connecticut politician’s promises are really “sound bites”—In order to lead voters, politicians must follow through on commitments and show the community.

Actions speak louder than words. It’s not enough for governors, Mayors or State Representatives or community leaders to deliver an inspiring speech or talk about patronizing ideals or promising futures.  Compelling words may be essential to getting donations, but politicians need to know that voters in Hartford expect City Leaders to show up, to pay attention and to participate directly in the process of getting extra ordinary things done.

City leaders set an example for all constituents based on a mutual understanding of what’s expected. In order to gain a consensus on a common cause, such as POVERTY, all elected official must be able to build on a common set of principles. Leading by example is how politicians make visions and moral values tangible; the only way to provide the community with evidence that they are personally committed. And that evidence is what residents of Hartford are looking for.

We often hear Elected officials state “I try to lead by example” or “I lead from the heart”; then they turn the other cheek and state, “Yes, there are many residents living in North Hartford with complaints of the lack of employment and the quality of housing, those people need to help themselves and stop seeking support from AFDC”. I encourage residents to not cast your vote for elected officials that have the audacity to offer sound bites that demoralize an indigent constituent. No politician should use a press conference or give a speech to put any poverty-stricken resident of Hartford, Connecticut down.

It’s not just the words that politicians use to convince the average voted on why he or she should hold office. “Its behavior”, every decision an elected official make have an effect on the destitute voter. We as a community must assess and evaluate every result; we must start holding City leaders accountable. What we politicians do truly does speak more loudly about what they believe than what they say ever can.  As a community we need to visibly see the Politician in the neighborhood door-knocking and soliciting for his or her own votes. They need to be asking questions and taking surveys on “how they can serve” the citizen that voted for them.  

When was the last time you seen the Governor, Mayor or any State Representative checking the City of Hartford’s pulse, in regard to the clarity and consensus of its poverty stricken resident. On no account, have you ever seen any elected official walking the streets of impoverished districts in Hartford, Connecticut. They offer no pity when a child or adult is slaughtered on the city streets of Hartford, nor do they comfort the grieving family.

Newtown, Connecticut is not the only city in the State of Connecticut that was affected by gun violence. The city of Hartford is suffering from chronic poverty, homelessness and substandard housing. Residents  are suffering from post traumatic stress, many are on the verge of suicide from being Hungry, they want and need to provide basic necessities for their families has caused an increase in the crime and homicide rate.

Never forget where you come from; or who voted you in office. I encourage the Governor, Mayor & State Representatives to visibly spend time on legislature that will eradicate poverty and develop jobs; I encourage you to show the City of Hartford that you are a committed policy maker that has put his time and money where his mouth is. Cohesion at every level should be developed.

It is time we get down to business and demand fair wages, and legislation that address policy and procedures. Ethnic transgressions and evidence of discrimination still run rampant in the City of Hartford. In Hartford the focus of political power in recent years has been on the electoral achievements of Blacks and Latinos, for example Mayor Pedro Segarra, State Representative Douglass Mc Crory and State Representative Brandon McGhee. In the near future, our political power must rest in our ability to build alliances to elect representatives in state legislatures and congress who successfully put forth proactive legislative agendas to address inequality and ethnic disparities in our communities.

I am a voice for the voiceless in Hartford, Connecticut; I offer no apologies when it comes to open an honest dialogue relating to racial injustice and inconsistency I am a fierce advocate for the North end community. I fight against poverty and the lack of human dignity; I have dedicated myself to this struggle.

Martha Hood PhD

5th District