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Commitment to Serving

How fortunate we are to have Ted Kennedy, Jr., as a candidate for state senator from the 12th District. A Branford resident for almost two decades, Ted has been involved over the years in such important local issues as protecting the Long Island Sound and supporting SARAH, which trains and employs hundreds of people with intellectual disabilities. His affection for the area, and his commitment to serving its people, shine through whenever he speaks.

The Kennedy name conveys the family legacy of leadership in public service, and that itself has inspired many young people to join the campaign. It focuses attention-too often lacking-on the importance of state-level politics.

But if you are a Kennedy, people assume you are a national figure and sometimes question your engagement in local politics. Ted has taken great pains to make sure that this is a local and not a national race. For instance, in qualifying for public financing, he took campaign contributions only from district residents. He has turned down national media requests in favor of local reporters, and he has spent many hours listening to the concerns of people across the district he would represent.

Ted knows that the state Senate is the place to make a difference on the most important issues to our area. State regulations, for example, can be needlessly complex and stand in the way of job growth and economic development. State-level policies can expand the use of clean, affordable energy and support local, sustainable agriculture.

I am grateful to Ted for dedicating himself to serving our towns over the last 20 years and for seeking a new way to serve us all going forward.

First Selectman Cathy IinoKillingworth