Candidates running for the 97th State House District in the Connecticut General Assembly participated in a debate on Wednesday, discussing various topics including prison politics and criminal justice reform.
Prison Politics and Criminal Justice Reform
Attorney Leland Moore, who works in the attorney general’s office, defended his role in defending the state’s prison system, stating that it doesn’t mean he agrees with the system. His opponent, Wildaliz Bermúdez, countered that the work one does becomes who they are.
Bermúdez, who is married to a civil rights attorney, emphasized the high incarceration rates in the Black and Brown community. Moore pointed to his work on criminal justice reform, including advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and working for the state Sentencing Commission to reform juvenile life-without-parole sentencing.
Candidates’ Positions
Both candidates expressed support for free buses and opposed the current Memorandum of Understanding regarding Tweed New Haven Airport’s expansion. They also agreed to pressure the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority to separate and repair combined sewer/rainwater pipes.
The debate was moderated by the New Haven Independent’s Paul Bass and La Voz Hispana’s Norma Rodriguez-Reyes. The primary election is scheduled for August 11.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
