Lyddy: Decision To Leave Politics Was 95 Percent Career Oriented

By John Voket

Amid a chorus of well-wishers, Representative Chris Lyddy said that his decision to not seek a third term “was 95 percent career-oriented and five percent political.” His announcement was dispatched in an e-mail to dozens of friends, associates and political colleagues, and The Newtown Bee on Saturday evening, May 19.

He followed up that with a similar message on his personal Facebook page a day later, a move that resulted in some 80 followers expressing shock, but no real disappointment and plenty of support.

Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra said she was surprised to learn of Rep Lyddy’s decision .

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Chris these past few years,” Mrs Llodra said. “He is a advocate for Newtown and has worked very hard to represent our interests in the General Assembly.”

The first selectman also described the local lawmaker as a gentleman who has been honest and forthright, and who cares very much about his community.

“I have learned through many long hours spent with Chris of his deep devotion to Newtown, his family, his friends, and to the many young people he serves as a counselor,” Mrs Llodra added. “He is a class act. I will miss him personally and also will miss his help and support in advancing the cause of Newtown at the legislative level.”

Rep Lyddy said that his decision to call it quits after two terms in Hartford came after much consultation with friends, family, and others in his political circle of influence, and that it may have taken a bit longer that he would have liked. “But I wanted to see my way through to the end of the session,” he said.

One of the individuals Rep Lyddy worked closely with on Newtown and constituent matters was Republican Representative DebraLee Hovey, who said that her Democratic colleague has served Newtown well.

“Chris has been a pleasure to work with,” she said. “I personally wish him all the best and know he will continue public service in a way that fits his life goals.”

Democratic Selectman James Gaston reacted to Rep Lyddy’s announcement on Facebook, saying: “Chris, you did a great job! Dedicated, educated on the issues, and of strong conviction...your Listen, Learn and Lead set a high standard for the representative who follows you. Newtown will miss your representation.”

Democratic Town Committee Chairman James Juliano said he was disappointed to get the news.

“But we respect his decision not to run,” Mr Juliano said. “I understand the increased workload in his job.”

The DTC chairman said Rep Lyddy has been a tremendous asset to Newtown at the statehouse, specifically citing his tireless work to protect the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard.

“He is always welcome if he decides to return to elected office,” Mr Juliano said. The DTC was scheduled to meet after the newspaper went to press Thursday evening to confer with party leadership over a possible replacement candidate.

“Several have expressed an interest in possibly running for the open seat,” he said.

Speaking with The Bee this week, Rep Lyddy said he never took his job and the work of the people lightly, saying he gave equal weight to the decision to seek the 106th District seat four years ago, and his decision to seek reelection in 2010.

“The elected office is not about the person, it’s about how well that person can represent people in the community. So if the people ask me to run again in the future, it would be something I can consider,” he said.

But for now, when Rep Lyddy looks at his position and where he wants to go as a social worker, he does not envision being able to juggle his responsibilities with a commitment to constituents as an elected official.

“I’ve hit a point where I don’t think I’ve jeopardized [my career] yet, but I can anticipate that it will be much more difficult to give 100 percent to a job I truly believe is one of the most important anybody could ever have,” he said. “I want the community I care so much about to have a representative who is 110 percent able to represent them,” he said.

Among some of the other state officials who said they were sorry to see Rep Lyddy go was Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, who posted on Facebook, “You will be missed as a thoughtful and compassionate voice at the Capitol.”

And Newtowner Sarah Hemingway, who was Rep Lyddy’s campaign manager when he made his first run for office, and who has remained a close political and personal ally, sent this message:

“It has truly been an honor to work with you for so much of this exciting adventure. Newtown and the state are better off because of your hard work. While I know you will be missed, I also know you will continue to make the world a better place in other ways.”