Kadeem Roberts

One of the victims of the wrong way crash in West Haven a few weeks ago was a colleague, friend, and Norwalk resident. Samantha Pearl Birchard was one of the four people to lose their life in the crash, and it hurts to lose someone so close to you. 
 
I had the pleasure of working with Sam at the New Lebanon School in Greenwich, CT.  She was full of joy and loved what she did. Her passion for helping the youth was apparent every day. Sam would always chase a little boy around the school, and as I grew to know the student, he expressed how grateful he was for her guidance and assistance.

She will be truly missed! I am vowing to work on wrong way legislation in her name. The legislation we passed last year was a good start, but we must do more. 

One example is an initiative, which has already begun, that uses police data to guide additional patrols and enforcement saturation along highways where crashes and fatalities have become more common. The hope is they can stop drivers who should not be on the road before they get on the road going the wrong way.
 
In addition to patrolling thousands of miles of roads in our state, the Connecticut State Police also regularly plan initiatives to combat distracted driving, aggressive driving, and operating under the influence.

• Strengthening the child's immune system
• Providing essential vitamins and minerals
• Enhancing brain development
• Encouraging physical growth
• Setting the stage for healthy eating habits for a lifetime

Healthy nutrition is also tied to preventing chronic disease, improving mental health, and helping build strong bones and teeth.

As this priority bill moves through the legislative process, I urge you to show your support as we move forward. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our youngest community members.

Happy Women's History Month! “Here's to strong women. May we know them, may we raise them. May we be them.” - Ada Lovelace