To the Editor:

Dave Rubino is a newcomer to the 23rd District, but he brings an extraordinary range of experience as a human rights attorney who has committed his life to the values and principles of democracy. As an attorney, his work abroad focused on fair election process, legislative reforms, anti-corruption policies, human trafficking, and gender inequality. These experiences have enriched his view of the world and reinforced his commitment to improve the quality of life for others through the legislative process. He would be a tremendous asset in the CT General Assembly!

Let’s face it. It takes guts to relocate your family, start a new business, become a respected leader in your community, and challenge a third term incumbent for an assembly seat! That is exactly why Dave Rubino is my choice for state representative. He is a leader who is not afraid to tackle the difficult issues of our times, whether they be healthcare, the climate crisis, womens’ rights, racial injustice, or the economic wellbeing of our state. In Dave Rubino, we have a candidate who is astute, educated, forward thinking, and honest. We can count on him to approach the legislative process with a full grasp of the issues, and to write effective legislation, not just vote for it.

Dave Rubino has my vote for state representative. He will bring strong leadership and a depth of experience to the 23rd District.

Sincerely,

Marisa Hartmann,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

Paul Formica has a long history of outstanding public service, and I urge all voters to re-elect him as our state senator. Paul was the leader of East Lyme, one of our most successful large towns, guiding its prudent growth, championing conservation and governing in a strong, fair and effective manner as evidence by the vibrance of his town. He has done the same for us in Hartford.

Mr. Formica’s opponent has many unfounded and distorted criticisms for him, including that Republicans are holding up a “completed” bill for a public health insurance option because Republicans are being paid by insurance company lobbyists. This bribery charge is inflammatory and just not true, but unfortunately not unusual for attacks on Republicans. Further, as should be obvious, if Democrats have a “completed” bill they would like to pass, they control
every branch of government and can pass whatever they choose without need of a single Republican vote.

We need as our state senator a person who not only cares for constituents, but has the proven experience putting well-conceived policies in place to make constituents’ lives better. In the 45 years of Democratic rule in New London, of which Ms. Marx highlights her participation, it would be very hard to find too many people who say their lives have improved. Vote Paul Formica to make Connecticut affordable again and fix the absolute mess in Hartford created by truly awful, one-party rule.

Sincerely,

David Kelsey,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

It takes a certain kind of person to get me to split my ballot on Election Day. As a Democrat, I tend to vote for Democrats across the board, but I will be voting for our State Rep, Devin Carney this year. Devin has always been there for Lyme and Old Lyme – especially for our schools, seniors, and our environment.

As someone who works in mental health and addiction services, I am especially pleased with Devin’s consistent support to improve state policy in these areas. He co-sponsored legislation on mental health parity, which requires insurers to treat mental health and substance abuse disorder the same as physical health. He also co-sponsored legislation to look into increasing employment opportunities for those recovering from substance abuse. He has consistently been a strong voice at the Capitol in battling the state’s opioid epidemic, which touches every town in the state.

Devin was recognized by the Connecticut Counseling Association for his work on these issues and for his efforts to stop elder abuse.  He is a well-rounded legislator who has put the work in over the past six years. This Democrat will be proud to cast a vote for him on November 3rd.

Karen Palenski,
Old Lyme, CT.