To the Editor:

We need to re-elect Mitch Bolinsky. He has four years' experience in the General Assembly and a track record of getting things done. He serves on the powerful Appropriations Committee, plus the Education and Aging Committees - all things vitally important to Newtown.

At a time when both Democrats and Republicans are finally beginning to address the fiscal excesses of the Gov Malloy administration, it makes sense to have a seasoned professional in place. Working with other legislators, he has a five-year plan to get us back in the black - without raising taxes.

This is also a time when Republicans are poised to rebalance the political power in the General Assembly. A lopsided State Legislature doesn't serve anyone, and Mitch works comfortably across party lines. In the last four years, Mitch has spent countless hours and personal efforts aiding Newtown citizens and businesses. Many of you have turned to him, and received help with personal, legal, medical, and insurance problems, as well as navigating the bureaucracy of Connecticut's state agencies. From DCF to DMV, he gets results.

Mitch is smart, has great ideas, and is a respectful listener, always open to new perspectives to best serve our community. He has a tremendous work ethic, often researching legislation or answering his correspondence late into the night.

He put his heart and soul into protecting the privacy of our Sandy Hook School families, worked on the legislature's Bipartisan Task Force and participated in the fast-tracking and funding of the new Sandy Hook School. With his fellow delegation members, he followed the money all the way through the project.

Finally, we know Mitch as a true family man, with two children. Rachel is a practicing family therapist and Matthew is in college. Luisa and he also share their home with and are caregivers to her father, Lou.

We are fortunate to have him as Newtown's representative and urge you to re-elect him.

Jane and Don Sharpe

62 Underhill Road, Sandy Hook         October 31, 2016