Lyddy Will Not Seek A Third Term

By John Voket

Saying he wants to “focus on professional and personal growth,” and that he is “more confident in our democracy than when I was first elected,” 106th District Representative Chris Lyddy announced to family, friends, and to The Bee Saturday evening that he will not seek reelection in November.

“It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you of my decision not to run for reelection to the Connecticut General Assembly this November,” Rep Lyddy said in his correspondence. “My decision comes after significant thought and prayer, and after lengthy and heartfelt discussions with my colleagues, friends, and family.”

The two-term lawmaker, who was elected after longtime Republican Julia Wasserman stepped down, said he has been “truly humbled by the support many… have shown me over that time.” And he said while there was no single factor leading him to the decision, “not running for reelection will ensure that I have the time and energy to focus on professional and personal growth.”

His letter spoke about the thousands of e-mails, phone calls, and letters he has received from people in Newtown.

“Hearing your concerns and learning about the issues important to each of you has enabled me to take the lead on several key initiatives at the state level. As a result of our work together, I am confident we made our community and state a better place to grow, learn, work, and live,” he said.

Rep Lyddy has served on the legislature’s Human Services, Education, and Public Health Committees, where he was vice chair. In addition, he served on the Department of Children and Families and HUSKY State Insurance workgroups.

For his work around children’s health and safety issues, the lifelong Newtowner has been recognized as a Children’s Champion by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, as well as by the state’s Juvenile Justice system, the Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools, and by Lyme disease advocacy groups nationwide.

He also serves on a number of boards, including the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse and the Newtown Parent Connection. He is also a past member of the Newtown Prevention Council, Newtown Youth Services Board of Directors and the Newtown Juvenile Review Board, a diversionary program for first-time juvenile offenders in the community.

Rep Lyddy ran for the open assembly district seat in 2008 after serving on Newtown’s Legislative Council where he sat on the Education, Public Safety, Finance, and Communications Committees.

In his announcement, Rep Lyddy said his “hiatus from the political scene should not be interpreted as a departure from the belief that we have the greatest democracy in the world. In fact, it is the complete opposite. I am more confident in our democracy than when I was first elected.”

He said the “democratic process, while messy and imperfect, gives us a framework for engaging people, often times with competing interests, in the process of shaping public policy.”

And he diplomatically acknowledged those who may have not always seen eye-to-eye with the young Democrat, saying, “Each voice and perspective is important; however, it doesn’t mean we always have to agree. I appreciate those of you who have not only supported my positions but more importantly those of you who have challenged them. Your feedback and participation has undoubtedly made me a better representative.”

According to his official biographical information, Rep Lyddy currently works as the program director for YES! (Youth Equipped for Success), where he is responsible for the supervision of program staff, implementing curricula, and serving as a point-person for the Court Support Services Division, juvenile and youth probation officers, and other community-based stakeholders.