Mitch Bolinsky

State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) was sworn in today as State Representative for the 106th General Assembly District, covering his hometown of Newtown.

Bolinsky was among the 8 freshmen Republican legislators who vowed to serve their districts over the next two-year term. Powered by his “common sense” approach to government, Bolinsky won the open seat vacated by former Democratic State Rep. Chris Lyddy.

For the 2013-2015 legislative sessions, House Republican Leader Larry Cafero appointed Rep. Bolinsky to the Appropriations, Education and Environment Committees.

“I am honored that the people of Newtown elected me to represent them in the General Assembly — this is a privilege I do not take lightly and I plan to be a strong voice for the incredibly special constituents I am now sworn to serve,” said Rep. Bolinsky.

“Our community faces significant challenges in the days ahead as we try to recover from the senseless and heartbreaking Sandy Hook tragedy,” said Bolinsky who has had an appropriately understated presence in the community in the wake of the tragedy. “Even though my term officially begins today, other Newtown legislators and I have been working for weeks to quietly, respectfully and carefully assess and begin to understand the wide spectrum of legislative and social actions that may be considered along with what we expect will be many excellent, community-generated options to heal and protect our families and our community.”

Rep. Bolinsky took the oath of office and was sworn in by Secretary of State Denise Merrill on Wednesday in the State House Chamber. He then participated in a Joint Convention of both the House of Representatives and Senate as Gov. Dannel Malloy addressed lawmakers about the 2013 Session.