To The Editor:

Two years ago, I asked Newtown voters to elect my husband Tom to the Legislative Council so he could get out of the house and have people other than me to talk to about capital budgets, recycling, ordinances and open space. Thank you for granting my wish — it worked! You gave him a seat and you gave me a little peace and quiet.

But here we are again, and I need your help. Tom is running for re-election — this time as an unaffiliated petition candidate. That means he doesn’t have a political party to back him and his name won’t be sitting neatly under a party label. Instead, you’ll have to look a little harder: he’s five rows down on the ballot. If you remember nothing else from this letter, remember this: he’s five rows down.

Why go through all this effort? Because Tom really cares about this town. He’s been a thoughtful, collaborative voice on the Council, always weighing how to fund schools and town services while being mindful of taxpayers. He wants to protect Newtown’s open spaces, encourage development where it makes sense and keep our town special.

I may joke, but I’m proud of his dedication and honesty. He puts in the work and his judgment is sound. If you’ve ever talked with him, you know he listens and he truly wants what’s best for our community.

So please, for my sanity and for Newtown’s future, vote to re-elect Tom Long to the Legislative Council, District 3. Just remember: He’s five rows down, but worth finding.

Tina Long

Newtown