To the Editor:

There’s no other person I’d rather have representing Newtown than Mitch Bolinsky. He isn’t your typical politician. He addresses the needs of those that he represents. Here’s one reason I’m voting for Mitch next month:

Back in October 2017, I contacted Mitch about a state law that limited the blood donation age of minors to 17 in Connecticut. I was outraged because most other states allow 16-year-olds to donate, with permission. If 16-year olds can drive, why can’t they donate blood?

It’s a personal issue for me. My mother battles Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and I want to see this change so others can help those needing blood, like my mom.

Despite not having donated blood before, Mitch supported my drive, donated, and spoke to a lot of underclassmen about their want to donate, too. He promised me we’d see it through and change the law. Now, he’s even a regular donor, in honor of my mom.

He connected with Red Cross officials, encouraged other NHS students, and arranged for us to testify in front of the Public Health Committee, reaching out to members on both sides of the aisle to move the bill forward. It passed unanimously in Public Health and the House before getting stuck in the Senate.

Mitch is planning to call our bill again in the 2019 session and confident we’ll make it all the way. I can think of no better reason to support him. He does everything he can to help those he represents.

Vote for Mitch Bolinsky. He’s not the typical politician. He listens and knows how to make Newtown heard. Take it from me, a 19-year-old kid who asked for help. He responded, learned the issue, connected with others in Hartford, and made a difference.

Harry Eppers

31 Russett Road, Sandy Hook         October 17, 2018