I’m a registered Democrat and vote for Democratic candidates more often than not. But there is one local election where I will be voting for the Republican nominee. During our four years of working together on Rye’s City Council, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand Julie Killian’s keen intelligence, passion for solving problems, and dedication to her constituents. I believe she is the best candidate to serve our district in the State Senate. 

I could fill the page with examples of Julie’s penchant for building consensus towards effective resolutions, but I’d like to keep your attention until the end, so I’ll provide just one example here. Even before multiple overdoses in Rye brought substance abuse among teens to the forefront, she raised awareness, built a sense of urgency among community members, and then set about solving the problem.  Her efforts culminated in RyeACT, a community-wide coalition committed to reducing youth substance abuse. That’s how Julie Killian operates — identify the issue, brainstorm solutions, build consensus, and then work toward resolution.  

Some would have us believe that, with respect to guns, Julie Killian should be lumped in with the Republican party’s wider resistance to common sense gun control. Don’t fall for that. Julie thinks what I think, what many people I’ve spoken to think, that some guns make sense — for protection in your home, recreation, and hunting. But automatic rifles and guns designed for the battlefield don’t belong in civilians’ hands. 

One thing I know for certain, after serving alongside Julie Killian for four years: she will fight for her constituents and their children whether the issue is drugs, guns, or taxes.  She has my vote in the April 24th special election for State Senate.

— Kirstin Bucci