To The Editor:

I take it that given Senator Hwang’s letter, he has seen my ad.

Amid all his bluster and hyperbole, he doesn’t say that the ad is wrong or refute that he cast the votes I mention because the ad is grounded in facts. Senator Hwang has asked us to look at his record, and that’s what I’ve done.

Senator Hwang’s votes are public. The 14 votes he took to weaken a gun safety bill (HB 6667) that strengthens our assault weapons and ghost guns ban, enforces safe storage, and bans open carry just last year, are public. His vote to allow guns on playgrounds in state parks is public. And his vote to weaken red flag laws that take guns away from violent offenders (HB 6355) is public. His vote against millions of dollars in funding for violence reduction programs like Project Longevity is public (HB 5506).

Showing how my opponent and I differ on legislation is not “playing politics”; it’s what campaigns are meant to be about. Voters deserve to know where candidates stand on critical issues such as gun safety.

Actions speak louder than words. Sen Hwang’s actions show that when given the choice, he voted to weaken gun safety legislation rather than strengthen it. Again, a fact that he did not disagree with in his op-ed.

In contrast to my opponent, I would have supported those pieces of legislation and voted against those amendments because it is imperative that we do everything in our power to end this cycle of gun violence and make sure that our kids and communities are safe.

I am not alone in believing we can do more. My commitment to addressing gun violence has earned me the endorsement of the Police Officers Association of Connecticut and has been recognized by advocacy groups such as Moms Demand Action and Connecticut Against Gun Violence.

While knocking doors, many parents have voiced to me how anxious they are to drop their children off at school. This is a feeling that so many parents and children have, not just in our schools but in any public space.

The idea that my son will have to grow up during this epidemic of gun violence is unacceptable.

Representation matters.

If elected, my commitment to this issue will be unwavering. I will lead the fight for laws that make our communities safer, ensure that no parent is afraid to drop their child off at school; that our public spaces remain places to create memories with friends and families; and that places of worship remain places of love.

I promise that if elected, I will vote with the values of this district and never shy away from a tough issue. I hope to earn your vote on Tuesday, Nov 5th.

Rob Blanchard

Fairfield