As the state representative for Waterford and a portion of Montville, it is necessary that I set the record straight. Due to a technical error, my name was inadvertently left off a letter from the southeastern delegation dated May 13th, addressed to Governor Lamont. (I accepted an apology for this serious omission).

Subsequently, however, I was not mentioned in The Day’s opinion piece entitled “A demand for help for our hard-hit region.” Unfortunately, the omission of my name from the letter sparked calls from my constituents seeking clarification of my position. Most importantly, the Day’s opinion got it right, stating, “In an age of heightened political polarization, the collaboration is a credit to the region’s delegation and an indication of the seriousness of the situation.” I agree wholeheartedly with this assessment.

Over the years I have worked consistently and tirelessly in a bipartisan manner to protect our small businesses, Millstone, Electric Boat, arts and culture, tourism, entertainment and the two casinos; all important economic drivers in our region and vital to the welfare of our working families. My interest in protecting these sectors has only been fortified during this unprecedented health and grave economic crisis in our region, one that has resulted in a devastating increase in unemployment.

The letter to which I also added comments requested that the governor pay close attention to the severe economic hardship that COVID-19 has inflicted on the southeastern region of Connecticut and to work on a plan that emphasizes health and safety measures first, in concert with the two tribal nations to prepare for a re-opening as soon as safely possible.

I care very deeply about my community, and its residents. I spend my days answering and responding to calls and messages from unemployed residents seeking much-needed help from the Department of Labor. The past two months, I have spent countless daily hours fighting for personal protection equipment necessary to protect our healthcare workers and nursing home residents. As a member of the public health committee and a strong advocate in the legislature for our seniors, I have requested testing for all our nursing home residents and help for those who have lost their health insurance.

Teleconference calls with numerous state agencies, and attendance in multiple webinars, forums and panels discussing health and education issues have become part of my daily routine.

I understand the physical, mental and financial suffering that our region has endured during this pandemic, and I have taken action.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the call to stay home and social distance so that we could flatten the spread of the coronavirus and begin the slow process of healing and economic recovery for southeastern Connecticut.

State Rep. Kathleen McCarty, a Republican, represents the 38th House District.