To The Editor:

Two years ago, our State Representative, Mitch Bolinsky, ran for re-election against the same opponent. There was no debate or forum, and little public concern. That was hardly surprising considering Newtown candidate forums have historically drawn small audiences, mostly made up of committed supporters. Disappointing but true. While forums have their place, I stand by my belief that brief stage responses seldom give voters meaningful insight into a candidate, as opposed to DTC chair Alex Villamil’s position last week in the Bee.

For 14 years, Mitch has answered questions and discussed issues at legislative updates, coffee hours, community events, the Senior Center, and countless one-on-one conversations with constituents. He is accessible, engaged, and easy to find.

As Mitch's campaign manager, I have spent many hours door-knocking with him. I have watched him spend 20 minutes or more at a doorstep or kitchen table discussing concerns in detail. He is not your typical politician who shakes your hand and moves on, his care and concern are genuine and his years of experience invite in depth discussion.

If the DTC Chairman were genuinely concerned about voters hearing from candidates, he and a partisan ally would not have attended a recent legislative information coffee solely to be combative, consume time, and silence other constituents. Rather than fostering discussion, their conduct disrupted the open dialogue Mitch has long maintained with this community, a choice that revealed their true intentions and was, ultimately, a swing and a miss.

Michele Buzzi

Newtown