It is obvious from your Aug. 5 editorial “Hartford needs help” that the author hasn’t been to Connecticut’s capital lately and is unaware of all the wonderful things that make Hartford such a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. Hartford is not called “New England’s Rising Star” for nothing. This is a city that is proud of its historic past and is also experiencing an unprecedented renaissance with new residents, new schools, new businesses, and a new progressive attitude toward its future.

Hartford is the job hub of Connecticut and is proud to be the headquarters and base of major operations to five Fortune 100 corporations, home to the second most productive workforce in the world, and home to 112 new businesses in the last calendar year alone. Simply put, Hartford is open for business. By increasing housing and creating new retail opportunities, we are just adding to the dynamics that are already in place thanks to our new convention center, which is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston, our additional 650 hotel rooms for business travelers and tourists alike, and our new skyline, which includes the second tallest residential tower in New England.

Seven schools have been constructed and renovated and with the new “All Choice” system in place, education standards and expectations have been raised and the results of these efforts are amazing: Test scores are up at 16 schools, and 11 new academies are opening their doors this month. This kind of momentum is attracting a return of middle-class residents and families to the city. In fact, Hartford has recently increased its population by 2.5 percent.

Hartford is called the “City of Hope and Opportunity” because it is an inviting, caring and compassionate city. Crime continues to decrease each year, with serious crime at its lowest levels in decades. This means our neighborhoods are safer and more vibrant as we continue to build a stronger future that puts families first.

Want to experience a great quality of life where there are historic neighborhoods, high-paying jobs, world-renowned colleges and universities, and a cultural and arts mecca? Come to Hartford. Want to find leaders working together on environmental, transportation and educational visions that will help make the city and region more competitive in this global economy? Come to Hartford. This is a city of choice, a city of diversity, and a city that showcases a proud past and an enthusiastic future.

Just as Mayor David Cicilline, of Providence, is working to strengthen Rhode Island’s premier city, Mayor Eddie Perez is providing a new vision and attitude that positions Hartford to lead and succeed in becoming a 24/7 city that is a great destination for families, visitors, and businesses.

Those who don’t see what Hartford has to offer the region and the world either haven’t been here lately, or can only feel good about themselves by trying to tear down others.

SARAH BARR

Hartford

Editor’s note: The writer of the editorial frequently visits the Hartford area.