To the Editor:

 My husband and I moved to Sandy Hook 25 years ago with our 2-year old daughter and another baby on the way.  This community has been an incredible place to raise a family and live for the past 25 years – a place that has embraced education, small businesses, and a genuine love and care for neighbors and friends.  Sandy Hook holds memories of building new playgrounds, Jolly Green Giant Fairs, and Christmas Tree Lightings.

 The December 14 tragedy hit us hard.  This town we have known and loved for so long was truly aching and hurting.  Almost two years later, we’ve started to heal and move forward, but I know that we will be in this healing and recovery process for years to come.  Now more than ever it is essential that we have someone representing us in Hartford who really knows and understands our community – and that person is Matt Cole.

 Matt has been clear in his support for the gun laws passed in the wake of our community’s tragedy, and has articulated his ideas to strengthen that law.  He will work to remove the loophole around restraining orders and will work with legislative leadership to make sure gun safety remains a priority in the next session.  While minority representatives voted against the funding for a new Sandy Hook School, Matt Cole has shared that not only would he have supported that funding, but he will work with the majority to support resources for our community in the years to come.  Whether it’s further school safety needs, increased mental health services, or needs we have yet to realize, Matt Cole is the voice we need in Hartford fighting for us!

 I am also voting for Matt Cole because he learned from former State Representative Chris Lyddy.  In 2010, the Newtown Bee said Chris Lyddy set “a standard of constituent service that many popular legislative veterans would have a hard time meeting.”  They continued that “when Newtown residents of all political persuasions approached him with concerns […], he worked to stick with them and stick with the issues not until he was satisfied, but until they were satisfied.”  This kind of service and representation is exactly what we need.  As part of his social work background, Matt Cole served in Chris Lyddy’s office, learning about policy and constituent matters.  This experience will serve him well.

 This year, we have a clear choice in our election.  I am voting for Matt Cole, the candidate who has proven he will stand up for Newtown – our issues, our values and our community.  Please join me in voting on for Matt Cole on Tuesday!

Maribeth Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook             October 28, 2014