To the Editor:

Nearly four months ago, Chris LaRocque announced he was running for state representative, and made it very clear he was adamantly opposed to public financing. It was a focal point of his website, and seemed to be the center of his campaign.

Imagine my surprise when he announced this week he had changed his mind! In his announcement Chris says that the people of Newtown must know what each candidate stands for and make sure they are clear on the issues. Well, if this is any indication, Chris is making that impossible. “We need to give the people of Newtown the best idea of what each candidate stands for, and make sure they are clear on the issues.” (Quoted from Mr LaRocque). What is it that you stand for Mr LaRocque; and what issues are you clear on? I am trying to figure this out!

He insisted it was a bad program. Now he’s using it. His website platform says he wants to eliminate the very program he is using to run his campaign!

Quite honestly, I don’t care how he finances his campaign. What I care about is having a straight forward state representative who does not switch things around whenever the wind blows a different way. I want to know that in difficult times my representative has the judgment, stiff backbone, and morals to stay strong and not pick the easy option. When faced with a tough choice, I want my state representative to know what he believes, is right for his constituents and have the courage to stand up for it and not be swayed by pressure. Chris Lyddy is that kind of representative and has proven this many times on many issues over the last two years.

Being an elected official isn’t easy, but I am proud of the way Rep Lyddy has excelled as our state representative. He has been faced with difficult decisions, and he has made the right choice. He hasn’t been swayed by outside pressures, he hasn’t flip-flopped on key issues, and he hasn’t backed down on what he believes in. In these challenging times, we need someone who can stand up and stay strong. Rep Lyddy has proven these past two years that he has the courage, knowledge, and good judgment to be a leader in the legislature. He has clearly articulated his thoughts, shared his beliefs, and explained his votes. Rep Lyddy has done Newtown proud, has done what he promised to do two years ago when we elected him, and I hope Newtown voters give him the reelection he so deserves.

Respectfully,

Mike Kelley

21 Bridge End Farm Lane, Sandy Hook                       June 23, 2010