A Candidate Says Thanks

To the Editor:

It is with a heavy and grateful heart that I submit this letter to thank the people of Newtown for supporting me through my candidacy for state representative. Throughout the course of the past few months, I have met many of you at your doors, over the phone, or at local events. It has been a pleasure to speak with each of you about your concerns, as well as your hopes and dreams for the place we all call home.

I would also like to thank the dozens of volunteers that put hours and hours of their time into my campaign, and to my family for their constant, undying support of my endeavors! Maribeth and Dan, you both have provided me with incredible support throughout this campaign, and I am grateful for your willingness to serve as treasurer and deputy treasurer for the past nine months! To my campaign manager Sarah Hemingway, your work has been recognized by people both here in Newtown and across Connecticut. Our community is a better place because of the people like you who energize others to get involved and find their voice, regardless of age, gender, or life experience. You’ve got what it takes to be an incredibly effective leader in our community and we are all lucky to have you as a role model for the youth in town. I ask that our community continue to invest in our youth, and embrace our young, emerging leaders like Sarah Hemingway, who give so much of their time and talents to simply better our community.

I have always said that leadership should not necessarily be measured by what a person is able to accomplish; rather, it should be measured by what and how much a person is able to help others accomplish. I hope to provide the leadership we need to accomplish great things here in Newtown. As we move into a new era of leadership, I trust that our community will band together, like I know we can, to move forward and get things done for our community.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the various town leaders who have supported me throughout my campaign! Understanding that many of us can (and will) face controversy and differing opinions at times, it is the willingness to listen, learn, and lead that I appreciate so much about many of you. Democrats, IPN, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters alike, I saw our community begin to come back together this election. I trust and hope that we can maintain that momentum and begin using it to address the various issues that are facing our community.

Again, thank you to the people of Newtown for your support and for giving me the opportunity to serve as your next state representative in Hartford.

All my best,

Chris Lyddy

 Smoke Rise Ridge, Newtown                                  November 5, 2008