In a recent press-conference, Gov. Ned Lamont mentioned that the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic is focusing on high risk populations, correctly naming prisons and nursing homes. But there was no mention of racial/ethnic minorities even as the Department of Public Health reports regularly how they are bearing a disproportionate burden of illness and death.

Should a candidate for employment be required to release his tax records to qualify for employment? No. Should a candidate for public office representing and promoting the interests of the people, as in “of the people, for the people, by the people?” Yes. Especially in U.S. political life,  corrupted as it is by tsunamis of secret money.

It is both devastating and unsurprising that COVID-19 is impacting and killing indigenous communities at disproportionately high rates. Indigenous communities, which are inclusive of people who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native, have long faced systemic oppression in this country and this is reflected in poor health outcomes.  Indigenous communities experience disproportionate rates of disease such as heart disease and have a life expectancy that is 5.5 years shorter than the national average.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) lauds Gov. Ned Lamont for the collaboration his administration has had with local governments across the state as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Connecticut; but it is also important to be able to criticize our leaders even when we think they are otherwise doing a great job and are our allies.