To the Editor:
To the Editor:
I couldnât help but laugh when I read Mr OâDonnellâs letter [of endorsement] last week. He seems to want to hear more about Chris Lyddyâs voting record, so I figured Iâd share some details.
Let me start where Mr OâDonnell left offâ¦the fiscal situation. When Rep Lyddy was elected the state was facing a deficit. In two years, that deficit has been erased. It has been erased by increasing the cigarette tax, and implementing a tax on families earning over $1 million. At the same time, it allowed services to remain intact, libraries to stay open, and towns and cities to receive level funding. (In one term on Newtownâs Legislative Council, Chris LaRocque has passed a budget that cuts funding to town roads, cuts educational assistants, and raises property taxesâ¦while weâre speaking of records.)
Being state representative is about so much more than the budget. Itâs about making a difference in peoplesâ lives. So let me share some more of Rep Lyddyâs record:
Rep Lyddy championed a bill to increase treatment for Lyme disease patients.
Rep Lyddy co-sponsored legislation to use green cleaning products in schools to create a better learning environment for students, and a better workplace for teachers and staff.
Rep Lyddy and Senator McKinney advocated for protection of the Hawleyville aquifer area.
Rep Lyddy fought for legislation to ensure students with autism receive the quality services they deserve.
Rep Lyddy helped towns to be less reliant on property taxes to fund municipal services by allowing for and encouraging regional efficiencies and pooling of benefits.
Rep Lyddy provided relief for dairy farms in Connecticut.
Rep Lyddy advocated for and ensured Kevinâs Community Center had the funding it need to build an expanded and accessible facility.
Rep Lyddy passed a comprehensive, bipartisan jobs bill, which includes tax incentives, job opportunities and mortgage relief.
Rep Lyddy advocated for and passed legislation to provide funds for the NHS expansion project.
Rep Lyddy fought to ensure tighter restrictions on the siting of cellphone towers.
Rep Lyddy ensured citizens who purchased their hunting and fishing licenses before the fee structure was rolled back received the appropriate credit.
And all of this is in his first term as state representative. That, Mr OâDonnell, is a very impressive record from someone who knows who to reach across the aisle, work with advocates, compromise and collaborate to do what is best for his constituents. Itâs why so many letters tout his awards and recognitionâ¦because he has worked hard to earn them, and deserves these recognitions for all he has done.
What Iâd like to know is if Mr OâDonnell can honestly say thereâs someone else running for state representative who has a better record of service, a stronger record of commitment, or a more impressive record of fighting for our community. The simple answer, is no. Chris Lyddy is the only person who has a record, and has earned his reelection.
Sincerely,
Sarah Hemingway
10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook June 21, 2010