Last weekend, I went to New York City to visit my brother. I took the Shore Line East train to New Haven and Metro-North to Manhattan. I was able to park for free at the Clinton train station—less than a 15-minute drive from my house.

I love riding the train; it’s a rare chance for contemplation. This time, I noticed something that made me smile: there were no plastic bags washed up along the sides of the tracks, caught in the trees, or blowing along in the wind. That’s because we now have a ban on “disposable” plastic grocery bags.

We owe thanks to State Senator Christine Cohen for her leadership in fighting to maintain Shore Line East service, in banning single-use plastic bags, and many other crucial environmental measures. She has also worked—across party lines—on legislation ranging from gun safety laws to tax cuts, as well as bipartisan legislation securing major funding for projects in our district.

Cinzia Lettieri, who is running for State Representative for Killingworth, Clinton, and part of Westbrook, will be a strong ally for environmental protection. Like Sen. Cohen, Lettieri has been endorsed by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Also like Sen. Cohen, she has family ties to small businesses in our area, and she knows the importance of finding solutions that will allow these businesses to thrive.

Lettieri is a new candidate for the state legislature, but she has deep roots in the district. She grew up here, and she has built a record in Clinton of working across party lines for the good of her community.

This fall, citizens of Killingworth have the opportunity to elect two outstanding candidates for the state legislature. Let’s elect Cinzia Lettieri and Christine Cohen to represent us in Hartford.

Cathy Lino

Killingworth