By Jody Dietch
Orange Democratic Town Committee
Jody Dietch
The Orange Democratic Town Committee meets monthly, generally on the third Tuesday of each month. Each meeting consists of a “hot topic” discussion. At the May meeting, a discussion was held on the banning of TikTok.
I felt pretty hip as I was one of only a few in the room who even had a TikTok account. TikTok does have a “younger” following – not to categorize myself as old. But I am definitely not in the 30-something crowd anymore.
As with the national discussion, there were some who had concerns about what data China may be collecting on us and what misinformation they could be posting to try to interfere with our upcoming elections. Others also pointed out that anyone online or with a cell phone is easily tracked by anyone who wants to get their information.
One key point is Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, enacted as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. Basically, this provides immunity from liability for providers and users of “interactive computer service” who publish information provided by third-party users. If Section 230 were to be repealed, the platforms would all be liable for dissemination of illegal material. There could be more action on this down the road.
These “hot topic” discussions afford us the opportunity to learn more about the topic and hear other views we may not have considered. It is an open dialogue we limit to 15 minutes of our meeting. Our June meeting’s hot topic is the proposed elimination of the car tax in Connecticut as our legislators head into a special session.
Speaking of legislators, besides a Presidential election this year there is an election for the state senators and representatives. We are fortunate to have state Sen. James Maroney running for re-election. Maroney is a leader in artificial intelligence technology knowledge and the implications that lie therein.
State Rep. Mary Welander is also running for reelection. Welander is a fierce advocate for children and families. She was instrumental in getting mental health assistance for our children passed. She and Maroney helped procure funds for our schools’ HVAC upgrades, our recreational trails, supported tax breaks for veterans, as well as working to protect our loved ones in nursing facilities.
They have secured thousands of dollars for local programs, including $50,000 for our Orange Volunteer Fire Department. Welander and Maroney work tirelessly to help our community and have earned the honor to continue to represent us.
Welander represents the largest district in Orange, the 114th (known as District 1 in Orange). Our little town has two other districts, as I noted in last issue’s column. MJ Shannon is running for state representative in the 117 District. Shannon has been out door-knocking since mid-May, listening to constituent concerns and ideas. Shannon is a clerk of the state General Assembly’s General Law Committee. He is an advocate for the environment and small business development. His family owns a small business in Milford called CappuGino’s, so he understands the challenges facing small businesses and the vital role they play in our communities and our economy. Shannon’s work with the General Assembly makes him more than ready to represent the 117rh and be a leader from day one.
In the 119th District, which is the Milford side of Orange, Etan Hirsch is running to be our next state representative. Hirsch is an attorney who lives in Milford right over the Orange line. he is also an elected member of the Milford Planning and Zoning Commission after having served on the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals. He has been out meeting the community not only at the doors but at events such as the annual Strawberry Festival and as a participant in the charity golf tournament to benefit Orange Food2Kids.
Hirsch is a small business owner with his law firm, Hirsch Andrade LLP, in Bridgeport and Danbury. Naturally, that experience makes him an advocate for small businesses as well as economic development. His platform also includes environmental sustainability, women’s rights, education and insurance. Hirsch looks forward to working with all stakeholders when elected Nov. 5.
The strong slate of Democratic candidates and their backgrounds will continue to move our state forward and protect our rights that others are working very hard to take away. This election, you’ve heard it before and I will say it again, is about ensuring our democracy. As the nation grapples with a Supreme Court that is clearly teetering on major ethics violations to a presidential candidate who is now a convicted felon 34 times over, it is imperative that we all take a few moments this fall to get the facts and get out and vote on Nov. 5.
Jody Dietch is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.