To The Editor:

I wanted to publicly thank David Kean for bringing awareness regarding the Newtown Commission on Aging's (COA) educational session on assisted suicide held for the Commission at their 3/30/26 meeting. Thanks to Mr Kean's letter in the Bee, I have read the agendas and minutes from the COA published on the town's website. I learned that a Mr Trusiewicz from Middlebury sent a proposal to the Newtown COA in December, 2025 for him to present an educational session on assisted suicide.

I do not know the purpose and objectives of Mr. Trusiewicz's session to our COA, nor why they accepted to hear his presentation, but I have been waiting to read the minutes from the 3/30 meeting that have not as yet been made public.

I also have reached out to the chairperson of the COA and expect to hear from her.

In the meanwhile, I read a publicized letter on the Connecticut General Assembly website written by Mr Trusiewicz that was apparently done for a public hearing on an assisted suicide bill proposed a few years ago in CT. He was supportive of the bill, which never went forward.

If the COA is looking to be educated on the matter of assisted suicide, I believe that they must hear both the pros and cons of such legislation.

Personally I am opposed to assisted suicide and rather support the palliative care approach that cares for one's medical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs towards the end of life. Making this type of care available to ALL citizens in the State of CT, regardless of insurance, is the type of legislation we need.

I will let you know what I learn and I urge you all to read minutes of meetings on the Town's website.

Karen Banks

Newtown