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The Leader We Need

I support Brandi Mandato for State Senator for the 34th District. Brandi is the type of leader that we desperately need working for us in Hartford on a whole range of issues, from education to the economy. As a parent of small children and a Newtown native, I feel especially strongly that Brandi is the leader we need to make our communities safer.

While Connecticut is one of the safest states in the country when it comes to gun violence - according to federal statistics, we rank fourth-lowest in the nation - there is always more we can do. Horrific instances of violence have harmed families across our state. Simply keeping firearms safely protected can keep them out of the hands of those who should not have them. It prevents thieves from stealing them and children from playing with them, which is especially important as firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

Our current State Senator, Paul Cicarella, doesn’t find gun violence prevention to be very important in Connecticut. He voted against a law that requires owners to lock firearms in lockboxes if children live in their houses. Safe ownership is vital, but without this law, it would be less viable in the state. Cicarella also voted to weaken background checks for those wanting to purchase firearms and voted to allow the sale of assault weapons in the state.

This voting history paints a very clear picture of Cicarella and his priorities – which clearly are not public safety. Common sense policies make a difference, and we need a new Senator who wants to keep our families safe and who supports reasonable, safe gun ownership. I’m planning to support Brandi Mandato for State Senate this November, and I hope you’ll join me.

Eileen Honan Stabbe

North Haven