To the Editor:

I am writing this letter as a private citizen and not as a representative of any entity. 

It’s hard to believe the 2nd anniversary of our heartbreaking tragedy is around the corner.  Before 12/14, I assumed common sense laws were in place for background checks on every firearm sale and ordinary citizens did not have access to firearms/ammunition designed for war. I have protected my children from pesticides, preservatives, GMOs and I am thankful for laws that protect them from cigarettes, alcohol and distracted driving. Regrettably, gun violence was not on my radar. With increasing number of school shootings and 100,000 gun deaths and injuries annually, we are not safe. 

Since 12/14, I made the Sandy Hook Promise “to honor the lives lost by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation” and I have been working with the wonderful volunteers of the Newtown Action Alliance/Newtown Foundation to make our communities and nation safer for our children and families.  There have been successes and there have been significant disappointments during the last 22 months.

Connecticut was successful in passing the second-strongest gun laws in the nation due to strong leadership from Governor Malloy and Representative Kim Fawcett and many others who did not hesitate for a moment to strongly support Public Act 13-3 (PA13-3), An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety.  They honored the lives lost on 12/14.  I am confident that Governor Malloy and Representative Fawcett will never allow PA13-3 to be repealed.  On the other hand, Representative Mitch Bolinsky (who represents the families directly impacted by 12/14) required significant encouragement to support the bipartisan bill and he wishes to revisit the legislation.  Because I do not believe Representative Bolinsky will work tirelessly to protect PA13-3, I will be supporting Matt Cole who is an outstanding supporter of the Newtown community. Representative Dan Carter voted NO to PA13-3 in favor of the corporate gun lobby/gun rights groups over Sandy Hook families and the Newtown community, therefore Candace Fay deserves our vote.  I have been following Jen Aguilar on Facebook and she also strongly supports PA13-3. 

My biggest disappointment in the past 22 months has been congressional failure to pass the expanded background check legislation that was supported by more than 90 percent of Americans.  However, I do not lose hope because we have one of the strongest congressional leaders representing Newtown.  Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty has stood by Newtown since day one and she has worked tirelessly on Capitol Hill with her compassionate voice to change the hearts and minds of her peers.  She understands the needs of our recovering community and I am convinced that her peers will join her to be on the right side of history. 

While we wait for historical changes to be made by Congress, the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a vote. Please protect the gun safety legislation by getting out to vote on November 4th!

Po Murray

38 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook             October 22, 2014