To the Editor:

I would like to express my support for the reelection of Mitch Bolinsky in the race for House of Representatives, serving our community in Hartford for the 106th District.

Mitch works for all members of our community, but I’d like to convey the story of our work together on a criminal justice bill: An Act Concerning Newly Discovered Evidence.

We met for coffee on two or three occasions, and I presented my concerns about the importance of a bill of this kind, and he listened, made notes and, might I say, was extremely supportive. Mitch and his support gave me courage to continue on my journey to make this bill a reality for the wrongly accused in our great state.

We agreed with the Innocence Project that fairness had to be served by allowing new trials supported by newly discovered evidence, something not in Connecticut statute at the time. Mitch talked it up in the House, and a window of opportunity opened. My friends Gina Legnani Pellrine, Trinity Church, and attorney Damon Kirschbaum provided background support as we moved forward in our quest to make this law in Connecticut and help right some mistaken wrongs by shining technology’s new light on them.

As we persevered, SB-509 passed Senate and the House and was signed by the governor, amending Connecticut General Statute 52-582, Section one, to allow the introduction of new evidence. We won!

Mitch Bolinsky is my choice for State Representative. We need a representative who will take on the tough fights for all of us, never give up, and work for everyone to get a second chance.

Peggy Jepsen

16 South Main Street, Newtown September 22, 2020