Bethel Democrats

People over politics

Neighbors first

Fresh ideas

that lead us forward

Community Values

guiding principled leadership

WHO WE ARE

BETHEL DEMOCRATS: “Good for Bethel”

The Bethel Democratic Town Committee (BDTC) is the official local organization of the Connecticut Democratic Party in the town of Bethel. We are a group elected to represent Bethel’s Democrats, and we endeavor to improve our town through community engagement and political involvement. We aim to be a progressive voice for the town of Bethel, and will always support what is in the best interest of the entire community and all its people.

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Around Town

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

News from the BDTC and opinion pieces from our members and candidates.

November 12, 2024
Join the Bethel Democrats on Monday, November 18th, 7:00 PM
We have a lot to talk about! The Bethel Democrats will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, November 18th, at 7:00 PM. We will meet in Meeting Room A in the Municipal Center. All Democrats are welcom...
October 12, 2024
Bethel Democratic Headquarters is open!
The Bethel Democratic Headquarters is open at 126 Greenwood Ave. for the 2024 Campaign Season! Volunteers are staffing HQ at various times throughout the week. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to vo...
August 28, 2024
August Chairman Update
Dear Fellow Democrats, As we approach a crucial election in November, your support is more important than ever. The Bethel Democratic Party is dedicated to re-electing State Representative Raghib Alli...

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The Bethel Democratic Town Committee works to promote Bethel's Democrats for public office in Bethel

Bethel Democrats

3 days ago

Connecticut is taking important steps to protect due process and ensure our immigrant neighbors can live without fear. The revised TRUST Act strikes a smart balance between public safety and civil rights.Today, I voted YES on the revised expansion of Connecticut’s Trust Act.

This bill protects due process by making sure individuals aren’t funneled into ICE custody without cause while still allowing law enforcement to report serious criminal convictions. It ensures immigrants can safely go to school, court, or seek help from local authorities without fear.

Do I wish Congress would finally do its job and pass comprehensive immigration reform? Absolutely. But until then, states like Connecticut will continue stepping up to lead with fairness, safety, and dignity. ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

5 days ago

Monthly Bethel Dem Town Committee meeting tonight at 7pm, Municipal Center Meeting Room A. Come join us! ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

2 weeks ago

We’re grateful to have Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan fighting for meaningful change in the wake of an unimaginable loss in our community. The tragic murder of Emily Todd deeply impacted Bethel. Raghib’s ongoing work to strengthen sentencing laws for domestic violence cases is a reflection of his commitment to justice and to protecting others from similar harm.Earlier this year, I shared that I had called for the creation of a subcommittee within the Connecticut Sentencing Commission to examine sentencing outcomes in domestic and intimate partner violence cases. That subcommittee is now deep into its work and I wanted to share an update.

The subcommittee recently received over 20 years of court operations data covering murder and manslaughter convictions in Connecticut from 2002–2023. The data includes critical details like the gender and age of offenders, sentencing length, probation, plea deals, and whether a jury trial occurred. It will take time to clean and analyze this information fully, but early findings are already prompting important questions.

I called for this subcommittee in the wake of the murder of Emily Todd, a 25-year-old Bethel native who was shot and killed in 2018 by someone she had dated. Emily was a vibrant, compassionate young woman who worked with seniors. Her murder devastated our community and exposed the urgent need to reexamine how Connecticut treats domestic and intimate partner violence in our criminal justice system.

Since joining the legislature, I’ve been advocating for domestic/family violence-related homicides to be classified as Murder with Special Circumstance, a charge that allows for heightened sentencing since the repeal of the death penalty. Between 2010 and 2020, there were 49 cases that could have warranted this charge, but only four actually did. That discrepancy raises serious questions, and the subcommittee is preparing a memo exploring why prosecutors may not be bringing the elevated charge. Should we as a legislature mandate its use in domestic homicides? Should we remove discretion in these cases altogether? These are questions we need to confront.

Connecticut is one of just seven states that does not have a separate criminal charge specifically labeled “domestic violence.” Establishing a distinct charge could significantly improve how we collect and analyze data, making it easier to identify disparities, track outcomes, and ultimately close the gaps in our system.

The subcommittee will present its findings to the full Commission next month and continue its work through the summer. I look forward to joining them in presenting recommendations to the legislature this fall.

Connecticut should not be an outlier when it comes to protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. More updates to come. ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

2 weeks ago

The Bethel Dems wish all the moms a happy Mother’s Day! ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

3 weeks ago

Thank you for honoring those who served and for reminding us all of the power of public service both in and out of uniform. ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

3 weeks ago

Join us tomorrow at 12PM in front of Bethel Town Hall as we honor our Hometown Heroes. ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

4 weeks ago

We are at the Bethel Community Earth Day! Come and visit us in the Gym!! ... See MoreSee Less

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Bethel Democrats

4 weeks ago

IMPORTANT TOWN NOTICE:
Tuesday, April 29, 7pm Municipal Center General Purpose Room:
Bethel Charter Revision Public Hearing.

The Charter is Bethel's Constitution. This is YOUR opportunity to tell the Charter Revision Commission what you think about the proposed changes before they go to the Selectmen and then to a public vote. The Charter Commission includes both Republicans and Democrats, and they have been meeting monthly since August 2024 to thoroughly discuss and suggest revisions.

Along with language and procedural adjustments, there are 3 major proposed changes:

1. Change the current 2-year term to a 4-year term for the members of the Board of Selectmen;
2. Add an "Acceptable" option to the budget referendum “Too High/Too Low” advisory questions;
3. Formally create a "Sustainable Bethel Commission."

You can read the proposed Charter changes at the Bethel Town website: bethel-ct.gov/vertical/sites/%7B90B1B948-C443-4CA6-8B88-90B1EEA9B1E2%7D/uploads/Draft_Proposed_Ch... ... See MoreSee Less

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