To The Editor:

I want to thank Brandon Moore for stepping up to run as a Democratic State Representative candidate for Newtown. Brandon is the change we need. He has shown the strength of character we need in our elected officials and we can trust him to fight for Newtown’s best interests.

Brandon brings an impressive record of service and a genuine commitment to our community. Raised in Connecticut, he excelled at the United States Military Academy at West Point and served eight years as an Army attack helicopter pilot. In Afghanistan, he led more than 70 soldiers in combat and earned the Bronze Star — an achievement that reflects both courage and responsibility.

Since coming home, Brandon’s record continues to stand out. With graduate degrees from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, he went on to work for Governor Ned Lamont and Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz. He focused on connecting unemployed Connecticut residents with the job training and education they needed to reenter the workforce. He served our nation, then immediately came back home to serve our state.

Here in Newtown, Brandon is deeply involved in our community. I got to know Brandon while he led the election of Bruce Walczak, our First Selectman, to an 11% victory. Brandon has the energy and drive required of public office. Public service starts close to home and he has proved it by building his life here with his husband, Mike.

Running for office is not easy, and it says a lot about someone’s character when they are willing to put themselves forward. Brandon Moore is a problem-solver who understands that public service is about delivering for the people he represents. Brandon has the qualities of a truly great State Representative.

Thank you, Brandon for stepping up. Newtown needs you!

Jill Soderholm

Newtown