To The Editor:

The swearing in ceremony for Newtown’s elected officials was truly, as our new First Selectman Bruce Walczak said, a showcase of the building blocks of democracy right here in Newtown. So many of Newtown’s citizens came to see the ceremony that the Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall was overflowing. What a tribute to Newtown and the wonderful people who live here!

The afternoon started with 4 members of the Newtown High School choir singing a gorgeous rendition of our national anthem with soaring harmonies; they ended the ceremony with an equally beautiful performance of America the Beautiful. Our town poet laureate Lauren Clifford read a stirring and impressive piece featuring unsung heroes in the founding of our country. What a lot of talent we have in our community!

It was a privilege to have our Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz come to swear in our elected officials. The oath they swore was to support the constitution of our country and the constitution of our state, as well as to uphold the duties of the position to which they were elected. Everyone clapped for every one of the elected officials. There was lots of hand shaking, back slapping, picture taking and hugging. There was no attention to partisan politics; there were only people who were there to serve Newtown.

As Senator Blumenthal said, once the contest is done, it’s time to put aside partisan divides to celebrate democracy and community, and then to get the job done.

So let’s roll up our sleeves, get to work and get the job done!

Alex Villamil

Chair Newtown Democratic Town Committee

Sandy Hook