To the Editor:

During the presidential debate held on Tuesday, 9/10/24 I heard one of the candidates ranting and raving in an unprofessional manner. I thought to myself, is this leadership? This reminded me of the ranting and raving during a CT House of Representatives session, May, 2023 concerning HB 6667, a bill addressing gun violence. This bill includes requiring federally licensed gun dealers to give trigger locks or written warnings to all gun buyers about safe storage, and increased the age to purchase a long gun to 21. It was our 106th district Newtown Representative Mitch Bolinski, “chastising the chamber,” speaking with such passion, that the House chambers was placed in a position of “Stand at Ease” — a term referring to a suspending of congressional deliberations. (5/25/23, insideinvestigator.org) Rep Bolinski was ranting, not about the continued young lives lost because of proliferation of firearms in our country, but in defense of law-abiding gun owners, the “inanimate object,” the firearm. He then voted against the bill. Rep Bolinski had caused the debate to be suspended. It passed the house and later, passed the Senate, signed by Gov Lamont, and became law June, 2023.

It’s time for Bolinski to be honest with his constituents. He no longer represents our town.

In contrast, Newtown Democrats have a better choice to represent Newtown in Hartford.

Michelle Embree Ku has demonstrated a willingness to positively represent our community. Michelle has attended Newtown Allies For Change discussions that included difficult conversations concerning authentic representation of BIPOC historical events. Michelle understands the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in building and sustaining a robust community of different points of view. Michelle attended board of education meetings in Spring, 2023, as a public citizen, witnessing the decisive attempts to challenge, with the goal of banning books in our public schools. She showed empathy, compassion and concern for our library staff, DEI coordinator and superintendent when they reported being bullied and harassed. By contrast, our present 106th district CT Representative Mitch Bolinsky sat stoically, ignoring the stress placed upon our students, teachers and staff. It is my opinion that his presence was not helpful.

Unlike Mitch, Michelle is stepping up to truly represent all of Newtown, knows the importance of our place as a voice for all victims of gun violence and knows the importance of leadership. We need to elect Michelle Embree Ku, for our 106th district Newtown Representative, November 5th.

Don Lococo

Newtown