To the Editor:

The nation has turned a page and moved to a new chapter of our story. Future generations will measure us during this time by our character, how we respond to adversity and advance a nation with so much promise and endless possibilities. Messages, how we choose to communicate and treat one another, set a tone and foundation which can facilitate or renounce conflict. The negativity and false narrative about the last election lingers and should not be the voice of the Republican party going forward.

President Reagan frequently referenced a shining city on the hill, language he took from a 17th century puritan sermon. In his 1989 farewell address, he described what he saw as “a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.”

Our nation needs an approach to leadership which is positive and hopeful and not merely focused on raising support by attacking others; leadership that can describe the city on the hill and is able to show how the building blocks can be laid to withstand time.

A positive approach does not equal one that appeases,; rather it can be a calm, assertive voice that will point out things that appear wrong and share ideas without tearing others down. Over time, people are worn down by negativity. This approach will not grow the Republican party nor diversify thought leadership. People will respond to Republican leaders who ignite a spark of hope and a positive purpose to rally around.

Locally in Newtown, Republicans support innovative, fiscally responsible government, quality education for every child, principles that encourage government that is closer to the people, and efforts to attract economic development. We seek to achieve these principles in a collaborative manner where diverse voices are heard.

When enough members of the party begin to say they have had enough, new leaders will emerge, and positive change can begin. It is always sunrise somewhere. The light of a new morning will find the shinning city on the hill.

Tom Long

3 Birch Rise Hill Road, Newtown March 5, 2021