To The Editor:

One of the most critical issues facing Newtown’s November election is local control. Who should make decisions about our community — the people and those individuals who are elected locally who live here, or politicians and bureaucrats in Hartford?

Newtown residents and elected officials understand our town, our schools, our neighborhoods, our taxpayers, and the unique character of our community. Hartford should not impose one-size-fits-all mandates that override local decision-making such as the sweeping 2025 housing reform HB 5002 which was passed by our state legislature and was eventually vetoed and became HB 8002 which still encroaches on local control.

That is why I support Republicans AmyBeth LaRoche running for State Senate in the 28th District, and the re-election of state representative Mitch Bolinsky in the 106th district and state representative Marty Foncello in the 107th district.

We need representatives in Hartford who will listen to their constituents, push back when state government overreaches, and make sure Newtown’s voices are heard. We should welcome state support when it benefits our community, but there is a fundamental difference between supporting Newtown from Hartford and dictating to Newtown from Hartford.

Local control matters when it comes to zoning, education, public safety, and preserving the character of our community. Newtown residents and our local elected officials — not Hartford — should have the strongest voice in determining Newtown’s future.

This election is about ensuring that our state government remains accountable to the people it serves. Let’s keep decisions about Newtown where they belong — with the people of Newtown and vote for AmyBeth, Mitch and Marty.

Steve Stolfi

Newtown