To the Editor:

I have been a policy advocate for veterans and workers here in Connecticut for a while now, and at this point, I know real ones when I see them. Based on my experience and our conversations, I believe that Tim Gavin will be a true advocate for the people of Newtown in the State Senate, which is why he has my vote this year.

Far too often, local politicians prioritize photo ops over true constituent service. In the past, I have struggled to get buy-in from our local representatives while working on important, bipartisan bills for the disabled veterans and everyday workers that I represent. They will show up once the bill is passed and there is a press opportunity, but we need champions to actually fight for our constituents.

As a combat veteran myself, I know that fellow vet Gavin knows the value of service and embodies the servant leadership that we so desperately need in Hartford. Gavin has been all over the district hearing from some of our most vulnerable residents and actively working with us to come up with solutions. The sense that I have gotten is that Tim is genuinely interested in learning more about people, what drives them, and what they need, and he is exactly the kind of representative we need. It’s time for a change in District 28, and I hope my fellow Newtown residents will join me in supporting Tim Gavin for State Senate.

Steve Kennedy

Newtown