To the Editor:

I’m proudly and enthusiastically supporting Tony Hwang’s reelection to the CT State Senate representing the 28th District.

Tony was a voice many parents desperately needed in Hartford during the pandemic. Too many parents came to me as an elected Board of Education member pleading for help as they watched their children suffer psychologically because of imposed restrictions and mandates on top of an already trying time.

Too many parents felt helpless as they watched their children withdraw, become riddled with anxiety, or fall deeper into depression.

It became clear to many of us the moment schools first shut down that these forced policies were significantly impacting the mental health of our kids and needed to change. Parents begging for help were routinely dismissed, criticized, and left to feel powerless.

Few elected leaders were brave enough to speak up and speak out to defend the children and families that were suffering. Tony Hwang was one of those few that acknowledged parents’ concerns and pleas early on. Tony is a leader that became a voice for them.

I watched firsthand as many of those in power and with decision-making responsibilities led by fear and politics.

Thankfully, we have leaders like Tony who advocated for decisions based in science and data to help get us back on track to normal. It will be years before we can fully understand the consequences to our children from many of the damaging COVID policies, but the early data is clear: the impacts are significant.

I’m grateful for Tony Hwang’s steadfast leadership and I’m grateful for his advocacy on behalf of our children. We need more voices like his.

Bonnie Rotelli

Fairfield