I’m excited to hear Andy Gottlieb has announced his candidacy for the likely open 98th Assembly District seat, should Sean Scanlon pursue a run for state comptroller. Now more than ever, it is important to pay attention to local politics and consider what your representatives are doing at the capitol.

Andy is a lifelong resident of Guilford with a passion for and commitment to improving life on the shoreline for all residents. Whether as a candidate for State Senate in 2018 or a founding member of the Guilford Human Rights Commission, he’s been a steadfast champion of democracy and social justice. Andy possesses an extraordinary knowledge of politics and public policy, with legislative experience in the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament, in addition to his groundbreaking work in human rights research and advocacy. Andy has demonstrated that he cares about inequities that exist in Connecticut, with his 2018 campaign focusing on issues including protecting the environment, equitable education funding, and racial justice.

Andy promises to pursue action on these issues, as well as gun violence prevention, electoral reform, and fair budgeting. Near and dear to my heart, Andy has made it clear he supports single-payer healthcare. Connecticut has made strides towards improving healthcare access via the health insurance exchange (Access Health CT); however, it is far from efficient or equitable, or even close to affordable for many.

It’s time for a new voice in local politics. Andy brings the progressive energy we need to change the status quo and move Connecticut forward and if elected, I know that he will serve the residents of Guilford and Branford with the motivation and vitality that we need.

Alyssa Gilbert

Guilford