To The Editor:

Recently, I attended Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio's town hall in Newtown. It's worth reminding voters that eight years ago, Connecticut families faced deep budget cuts and tax increases. Today, thanks to Governor Ned Lamont, they're getting real relief. Ryan Fazio is a well spoken but unrealistic candidate and his record shows why he'd take us backward.

Lamont delivered the largest income tax cut in state history, lowering rates for middle-income residents and raising the Earned Income Tax Credit. He eliminated state income taxes on pensions and extended relief to Social Security recipients, saving seniors $40 million a year. He put money back in people's pockets with a gas tax holiday, a capped car tax, and a child tax rebate of up to $750 that reached nearly 370,000 kids — all while balancing the budget and posting a $410 million surplus in 2025.

Here in Newtown, that commitment is visible too. Lamont's administration backed the Sandy Hook Heritage Park and Trail, turning a vacant lot into parking, a pavilion, and walkways for residents and local businesses. State support also helped fund the new splash pad at our Community Center.

Fazio's record tells a different story. He voted against the state budgets that delivered the property tax credit increase and the car tax cap. He voted against capping child care costs and making pre-K universal and free. He opposed bipartisan housing legislation and voted against mortgage subsidies for firefighters, police, and EMS. And when Trump's cuts drove up health insurance premiums, Fazio opposed state funding to help families cover the difference.

This November, the choice is clear: a governor delivering real relief here in Newtown and statewide, or a candidate who has spent his career voting against it.

Alex Villamil

Sandy Hook