To the Editor:

I will be very proud on November 4 to cast a ballot in support of Will Rodgers as Newtown’s 106th District representative. Will is a man of strong character, even temperament, and moral courage. These attributes are regularly on display in Will’s public life. It is never politics as usual with Will. The “party line” is simply not a significant driver in his decisionmaking. Nor does he shy away from making decisions that may cast him in an unpopular light with vocal and powerful constituents. He doesn’t ever seek the easy way out for himself and, in fact, has been known to expresses dismay at those who do so. As an elected official, Will does the hard work required to fully understand every issue in all its complexity. He has a keen, penetrating, intellect with capacious ability for critical analysis. His positions on issues derive from the strength of that analysis, keeping at the core, always, what he thinks is best for Newtown. We need this kind of strength of character and independence in our state legislature. I am confident that Will Rodgers, as my representative in Hartford, will be issue-driven and have the courage to advance ideas and take positions for the benefit of our town.

Will Rodgers also knows how to broker alliances, finding sufficient common ground to bridge political or personal differences. Certainly he has used this skill often and effectively during his tenure as the chair of Newtown’s legislative council as well as while serving as a colonel in Iraq. Bridge-building will be necessary in order to bring together Connecticut’s rural and suburban legislators with a common goal to increase the rate of return of our tax dollars. Newtown can reap benefits through those efforts and Will Rodgers will be effective in leading that charge.

Finally, I am pleased to hear Will state that he will pursue administrative remedies rather than new legislation to address problems in the implementation of state government policies. As one who has had many close encounters with our state legislature over the past 15 years or so, I readily agree that we do not need more legislation. But we do need clarity and consistency! Will Rodgers knows and understands how the legislature works. He can navigate that system effectively and get things done which will benefit Newtown and be good for all of governmental practices in Connecticut.

I support Will Rodgers for the 106th and encourage all Newtowners to do the same. He is the right man at the right time.

Patricia Llodra

Riverside Road, Sandy Hook      October 27, 2008