To the editor:

I urge Westporters to vote on Nov. 5 for the candidate who will work to protect our state, our communities and our children from gun violence: state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg. 

I have worked in gun violence prevention in Connecticut and nationally for over 20 years. I am proud of Connecticut’s strong record in gun safety and gun violence prevention. I am proud that Jonathan Steinberg has voted to ban ghost guns and bump stocks and to require safe storage of firearms.  

I am proud that he has voted to strengthen our laws protecting citizens from domestic violence during the acutely dangerous period of a temporary restraining order. Our “Red Flag” law, which allows us to speak up if we know someone is an imminent threat to themselves or others, is one of the best in the country. And, in the midst of mourning with our friends in Newtown, Jonathan helped pass the most comprehensive gun safety bill ever, including the ban on semi-automatic rifles. 

Jonathan Steinberg has been there — championing, supporting and voting for all these gun safety laws every step of the way. In his years in the legislature and as chair and a member of the Public Health Committee, he has led and will continue to lead the charge to identify causes of, and institute programs to curb, community gun violence.

How do we in Westport ensure our state remains at the forefront of gun violence prevention? VOTE on Nov. 5 for state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and our other Democratic gun safety candidates, state Sen. Ceci Maher, and in the 143rd, state Rep. Dominique Johnson. 

Send them back to Hartford to keep fighting to end gun violence. Send them back to Hartford to protect the strong laws we have now in Connecticut. Send them back to Hartford to build on the excellent progress we have made so far.  

Amy Pines

Westport