Juan R. Candelaria

Happy Friday! I want to start off by sending my heartfelt condolences to the Wethersfield Fire Department and the family of Firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr., who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. People like Robert remind us that we can never take these heroes for granted. If you see a public servant today, please make sure to thank them.

From Monday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 3, Connecticut will offer early voting for the first time in a presidential election.

Early voting will be held at City Hall (165 Church St.) in the 2nd floor meeting room.

The hours for early voting are 10am-6pm. Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 will have extended hours from 8am-8pm.

October is now Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut after Governor Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and, in honor of their many accomplishments.

Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease.

A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect on Tuesday, October 1st.

It was an honor to speak at the Puerto Rican flag raising ceremony at the State Capitol this year. Perfectly timed with Hispanic Heritage Month, this flag raising gives us the time to come together and celebrate our beautiful community!

This week, we honor the memory of those we lost on 9/11 and salute the courage of the heroes who risked everything. Of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11 attacks, 161 had ties to Connecticut. Their loved ones are in our hearts during this difficult time. May we always remember their sacrifice and stand united in resilience and hope.

Urgent Crisis Centers are now available to families of children who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis but do not require emergency department level of care.