To the Editor:

I have written several letters on behalf of Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowksi, and certainly support their reelection campaign. In addition, I would encourage the voters in Newtown to support Christopher Lyddy (District 1), Joe Hemingway (District 2), and Jan Brookes (District 3) for Legislative Council. Also, don’t forget to turn your ballot over and vote for Anna Wiedemann for Board of Ed!

This isn’t about the Democrats though; it’s about a Republican incumbent for Legislative Council. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to someone who has served not only our town, but our country, over the past few years. Legislative Council Chairman Will Rodgers is a fair, strong, dynamic leader; one who has led the council through some very challenging times and has done so in exemplary fashion. It is the job of a leader to make sure everyone has the opportunity to share their point of view. Mr Rodgers has done just that. Time and time again, council meetings went until close to midnight in order to ensure the voices of all citizens and council members who wanted to speak were heard. A good leader then, at least in a representative democracy like ours, must lead their group as they make the challenging decisions our town was faced with. Thank you, Mr Rodgers, for taking the time to listen to all those who had something to say, but thank you also for using your experience and knowledge in this town and its needs. You led the council well through some very difficult times, and have helped Newtown continue on its path to success in the future.

Thank you also for the time you spent serving our country overseas. Your willingness to step up and serve our country in Iraq, to put yourself at risk and to put others before yourself is truly a testament to the person you are. It is a quality of person we are lucky to have in our town leaders.

I know at Pizza and Politics some disagreed with me. Some people think because you are the chairperson of the council and the council didn’t do exactly what they wanted, you have failed Newtown in your job. I choose to take the opposite approach. I think your ability to reach the consensus you did between the 12 council members, your ability to allow everyone to speak their mind and still reach decisions regarding budgets, Fairfield Hills, and whatever else, shows the kinds of qualities we want in our leaders. People who are open-minded, willing to listen, and courageous enough to stand up to pressure and make the decisions that are right for the good of the entire town rather than a select few, are the kind of people I’d like to see continue to lead this town. If I lived in District 3, you would certainly have my vote in this election. You have done Newtown proud in your service to both the town and our country. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sarah Hemingway

Daughter of Joe Hemingway

Legislative Council Candidate District 2

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook                     October 31, 2007