To the Editor:

It is a Saturday afternoon and my husband and I are taking on the overwhelming chore of keeping up our property. We are mowing and raking debris off the lawn when State Senator Tony Hwang pulls up. One of the more pleasant things that happens when we are out, is to have Tony come by just to check on how we are doing. Nothing more, just a check in. This small gesture means more to us than anything.

Several years ago, my husband lost his job. Our children we very young then, our daughter was just starting kindergarten, and I was home taking care of our two-year old. This was not an unusual circumstance for anyone at this time, but when Tony heard of our situation, he made a point to stop by and see what he could do. He knew that there wasn't much he could do personally, but having him there sitting at our kitchen table was a beacon of hope. You see when Tony sees a problem, no matter how small, he will always find a way to help figure it out. As a result of this tenacity, Tony was able to connect my husband with people who needed his skills. It may have been a few freelance jobs here and there, but when it came to paying bills and a mortgage, it made really made the difference between holding our own and losing everything.

Today, our family is doing ok. My husband is back at work, and I am, too. Our kids are doing great in school, and we are still in our house. We have seen Tony's work not just with us personally, but also within our community, our town, and even our State. That Saturday afternoon as he stood in our yard talking with us, he also made a point to speak with every jogger and dog walker that happened past our house. He recognized everyone and the problems that he was working on to help them. It was amazing to watch.

You see, the thing that makes Tony an amazing state senator has nothing to do with party lines and everything to do with solving problems. Whether it's making sure utilities stay affordable or keeping kids safe in our schools, these are things we can all agree need that beacon of hope. We need State Senator Tony Hwang.

Margaret Capron

10 Millspaugh Drive, Fairfield         November 2, 2016