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To the Editor:
I am writing to set the record straight about Tony Hwang.
As a candidate for the 134th Generally Assembly District seat, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of voters in Fairfield and Trumbull as I’ve walked door-to-door campaigning.
In those conversations, I introduce myself and explain that Tony Hwang is now running for State Senate and that he has endorsed me as the candidate to replace him in the 134th. When I mention Tony’s name, I am met with a smile and expressions of appreciation, love and gratitude for Tony – all for reasons that people outside the district would probably never know. In fact, a friend from out of town who was walking with me one day finally stopped and said, “Who is the Tony guy anyway? Everybody loves him!”
The constituents he has served for the past six years volunteer their stories that reveal Tony’s true spirit and character. While much of Tony’s active involvement in our community is noted in the paper, it’s what is not publicized that is more telling of his true character. Those are the stories of what he does every day to support his constituents. He genuinely cares and does much “under the radar” that shows his concern and commitment to those he serves.
For example, one day when Tony and I were out knocking on doors together, as we approached a house a young girl excitedly yelled through the window to her mother, “Mom, Tony Hwang is here!” She was in elementary school. Tony had visited her class and subsequently invited them to Hartford. He was a “rock star” to her and to her mother — a trusted public official, whom she came to know, could reach out to, and knew she could trust.
Around Lake Mohegan, I heard repeated stories about Tony’s commitment during Storm Sandy. Residents were without power for more than a week and while most town officials were focused on the hard-hit beach area, it was Tony who was coming by to check on them, deliver hot coffee and be a source of comfort and caring.
I heard from grandparents and parents of children with autism about how Tony worked with them to help ensure the services they needed were available and that they knew how to access them.
More recently, as I have talked to voters in the 134th and we’ve talked about some of the negative campaigning being waged against Tony, they are disgusted and outraged. They, like me, know the real Tony – the selfless, caring, genuine person who is driven by helping people and making a difference.
I’ve known Tony for years, as our daughters went through Fairfield schools together. Consistently, based on my own experience and from what I hear from voters in the 134th, there is no question that Tony is for real.
I am proud to campaign with him, for him and call him my friend. I hope you will join me in voting for Tony Hwang for State Senate on Nov. 4.
Laura Devlin
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