To the Editor:

I've known Tony Hwang for over ten years, since our daughters were in elementary school together. While I have always admired the energy, joy, and passion that he demonstrates as an elected official, now, as a legislator myself, I have witnessed firsthand just how much Tony Hwang is committed to those he represents.

On my first day at the Capitol, Tony took me aside and told me the most important thing to remember is the relationships you make. No one exemplifies this more than Tony Hwang, who has made friends across the political aisle to get significant legislation passed and signed into law.

Tony Hwang is a leader in enacting protections for our children such as increased penalties for making a threat on schools, championing bipartisan legislation ensuring insurance for individuals with autism, and for his work with MADD, he was named Legislator of the Year. Tony advocated and supported legislation to support and empower those with developmental disabilities through employment, and notably helped Housatonic Community College obtain a grant to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing education program that has enabled hundreds of students to leave college with good paying, full-time jobs. When it comes to our environment, Tony is a recognized champion and was a leading proponent of the Long Island Sound Blue Plan - a bill ensuring a coordinated strategy for the future use of Long Island Sound.

While Tony's commitment to community is evident in our towns, it really shows in his outward enthusiasm when students come to visit the State Capitol. Whether touring the halls of the Capitol building or visiting the Senate Chamber and sitting in the "wishing chair," Tony always shares a lesson in values and good citizenship. It's hard to tell who has more fun during these visits - Tony or the students.

Tony is the living and breathing embodiment of what is great about our community. A man of great integrity, this is who we need to have representing us in the State Senate. Please join me in voting for Tony Hwang on November 8.

Laura Devlin

State Representative, 134th Assembly District

85 Brett Lane, Fairfield         October 31, 2016