To The Editor:

Now that the American public has made its preferences known it is time for the new leadership to put its policies to work.

I am hopeful that those policies will focus on the many issues that are of concern to the public at large. In my mind those issues include Immigration policies that lead to improved border control and humane immigration enforcement; common sense gun control; a reduction in the federal deficit; a reduction in the cost of living with emphasis on fuel price, food and housing cost; improved education, childcare and health policy; restoration of America’s reputation and efficacy on the world stage, and improvements to our once impressive infrastructure.

While it is important that those who broke the law over the past few years be brought to account, it would be an error to overly focus on this admittedly important issue to the exclusion of everything else. Finally, and of extreme importance, is the matter of helping Americans regain our sense of pride in being Americans, restoring our respect for one another, reestablishing our position among the top contributors to the world’s research base, and restoring programs such as the recently discontinued USAID program, and regaining our trust in government. All of this requires a functional party that is not consumed with inter party squabbling.

Lastly, congratulations on impressive wins to Michelle Embree Ku, Jahana Hayes and all those newly elected.

James Ritchie

Sandy Hook