Newtown leader hopes to remind nation of shooting

AP Modified

Updated: Feb 12, 2013 6:57 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Patricia Llodra (loh-DRAH'), the first selectman of Newtown, says she hopes her presence at President Barack Obama's State of the Union will remind the nation and its leaders of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the need to overhaul federal gun laws.

Llodra is a guest of Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal for Obama's speech on Tuesday night.

Llodra said the greatest concern of Newtown residents is that Americans and policymakers will forget the Dec. 14 massacre, which left 20 first graders and six educators dead. In a conference call, she said, "We can't let this opportunity pass. It has passed too many times."

A Republican, Llodra said she supports more background checks, reauthorization of the assault weapons ban, a ban on high-capacity magazines and more mental health services.

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