Letters to the Editor - July 23, 2010

Census form categories are insufficient

To the editor:

As the Census Bureau starts to finish its decennial task, I find the categories on the census form insufficient in the absence of a category "American."

With the increasing racial intermarriage rate in America, it is unfair to require a citizen to choose between the race of one parent and the other. "American" is a distinct people. Let the individual choose. And it may surprise you that we immigrants can feel just as proud to be an American as those born here.

Let us, both immigrants and native-born Americans, have the choice to check a box "American" on the census or any other governmental forms when our race, culture or heritage is requested.

Peter A. Thalheim

Old Greenwich

Re-elect Floren to State House of Representatives

To the editor:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the candidacy of Livvy Floren for re-election to the Connecticut State House of Representatives.

Livvy has served the people of Connecticut, and the 149th district in which I reside, faithfully and well for more than ten years.

During her time in office, Livvy has developed a strong record of achievement and has been an important voice for conservation of our treasured resources.

Livvy has used her leadership skills to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and has shown that she is willing to support the actions that are required to preserve the quality of life we enjoy in Connecticut.

As a member of Greenwich's Conservation Commission, I have closely followed Livvy's positons on conservation issues, and I have been impressed by the focus she has brought to conservation during her tenure in the legislature.

I have also personally worked closely with Livvy in my role as President of the Greenwich Point Conservancy.

Livvy has been an active, dedicated and committed member of the GPC board since the group was founded seven years ago, and her guidance and support have been crucial to the success we have achieved in furthering our mission of preserving and restoring the historic buildings at Greenwich Point, which many believe is the "crown jewel" of Greenwich's public park system.

As the election draws near, I hope you will take the time to become familiar with Livvy's qualifications, her positions on these important issues and her exemplary record.

I am confident you will conclude, as I have, that now more than ever we need Livvy Floren to continue to represent us in Hartford.

Chris Franco

Greenwich