To The Editor:

Years of military service and fighting America’s enemies abroad have taught me that patriotism is about more than driving a pickup truck with a giant rooster in the back. That’s performative, and we need leaders, not performers. Patriotism is about showing up for your community, standing by your principles, and putting service before self. Bruce Walczak, Paul Lundquist, and Renee Weimann are authentically patriotic public servants.

Bruce Walczak has spent decades serving the people of Newtown. As Chair of the Newtown Family Counseling Center and President of the Lions Club, he built programs that help neighbors in need, including free vision screenings for local students. On the Economic Development and Police Commissions, Bruce found common ground and led by consensus, not division. Despite what Jeff Capeci may claim, Bruce’s business experience managing multimillion-dollar operations equips him with the discipline and accountability that Newtown should demand from its First Selectman.

Paul Lundquist has been an enormous asset to Newtown on the Legislative Council. He guided complex municipal and education budgets with transparency and collaboration, ensuring residents’ voices were at the forefront of key decisions. Paul also led efforts to revise Newtown’s charter, strengthen long-term capital planning, and invest responsibly in infrastructure. He is steady, pragmatic, and an absolute master at building trust across party lines.

Renee Weimann has dedicated nearly 20 years to the Town Clerk’s office and is perhaps the greatest unsung hero in our town. Ask any veteran, including myself, who in that office will bend over backward to help them. Her kindness and impeccable work ethic reflect her deep dedication to local service.

I urge voters to support Bruce, Paul, and Renee not because of their politics, but because of their patriotism. Newtown deserves nothing less.

Brandon Moore

Newtown