To The Editor:

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Marty Foncello over these last few years. I endorse Marty for reelection as Connecticut State Representative for District 107.

Marty has a stellar record of service-driven leadership across the military, homeland security, Connecticut state and local government, and our local community.

His breadth of experience is nothing short of amazing. Highlights include a 28-year Army career spanning three wartime eras, commanding a Reserve Military Intelligence Battalion and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2002. He served for two terms as Brookfield’s First Selectman, during which time he was called to serve with the Army in Washington following the 9/11 attacks, and served 14 years with the Department of Homeland Security as an Intelligence Officer in NYC.

In other leadership roles, Marty founded a local water company, taught as an adjunct faculty member at Western Connecticut State University, was President of the Brookfield Rotary, and an officer in the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 202 in Newtown. He also served our youth as a leader in Scouting and Little League.

Among his accomplishments as our two-term elected state representative, he co-sponsored legislation expanding veteran benefits, and supported bills continuing security drills in schools, increasing penalties for illegal passing of school buses, and strengthening distracted-driving penalties. He’s been active with our seniors including providing a program on financial fraud prevention. He also supported the proposed Republican “Pathway to Affordability” budget plan that, had it passed, would have delivered millions of dollars in targeted tax and fee relief to Connecticut residents, and invested in public safety and human services.

On top of it all, Marty is a humble, kind, compassionate human being. For those in District 107, please join me in voting for Marty Foncello as our State Representative.

Cathy Reiss

Newtown