To the Editor:

As a policy social worker, I am convinced that social workers are uniquely trained and specifically qualified to serve the community by representing our needs in government. I take offense that the Ferguson campaign continues to insinuate that social workers are not adequately suited for this position. When did helping people become a bad thing? Research conducted at the University of Connecticut by the Nancy A. Humphreys Political Institute for Social Work concluded that:

Specific social work knowledge and skills useful in politics include: engaging people in focused action, assessments of individuals, groups, advocating for interests of those who are served, forming/maintaining coalitions, bargaining/compromising, conflict management/resolution, evaluation, and analytical skills. Social workers have the knowledge base of understanding group dynamics, social systems, and social policy and the personality traits of being persistence, creative, pragmatic, and understand and accept incrementalism.

These are the qualities that I want in my representative and Chris Lyddy has them. Chris Lyddy is a proven leader who cares about his constituents, listens to our needs and responds with a legislative solution.

Sincerely,

Addie Sandler, MSW

4 Far Horizon, Sandy Hook                                       October 26, 2010