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An Outstanding and Experienced Advocate

When I talk to friends, acquaintances, and coworkers from around Connecticut these days, the crime rate in our state is one of the issues that seems to be on many people’s minds going into the upcoming election. Here in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, we are fortunate to have as our state representative someone who has been fighting successfully for years to address the problems of our criminal justice system. Representative Christine Palm has helped pass many important pieces of legislation to improve public safety, such as the recent law that moves cases against juvenile offenders more urgently through our courts and cracks down on car thefts by toughening punishments for repeat offenders. Palm took action on the catalytic converter theft epidemic, making it harder to sell these auto parts on the black market and introducing stricter punishment for thieves.

Rep. Palm’s legislative efforts have also included critical support for the police and firefighters who risk their lives every day for our safety. In light of the hostile conditions police face every day on the streets, she helped pass a bill to protect the jobs of police officers seeking mental health support and to improve the training officers receive for how to handle encounters with those with physical and mental disabilities. Palm’s vote also ensured passage of a bill to implement measures to better protect our firefighters from cancer, a serious risk they face from constant exposure to toxic smoke.

In short, our towns already have an outstanding and experienced advocate for smart anti-crime measures and support for the men and women who daily put their lives on the line to keep us safe. I will be voting to send Christine Palm back to Hartford to continue this critical work.

John Weikart

Ivoryton