To the Editor:

By CURT CLARK

Published: Oct 24, 2008 12:00 am

To the Editor:

Chris Lyddy didnât always want to be a politician. What he always wanted to do was help people and better his community. Over the years this has not changed, and it is the very reason he is running for state representative.

There are some people who just say they are trying to make a difference, but Chris actually acts on it. Chris volunteered his time for over 600 hours in high school, making a difference in our community. He then went to Salve Regina University and the University of Pennsylvania to complete his MSW. His career as a social worker now enables him to make a difference everyday. He helps give a voice to people who donât feel they have one, and advocates on their behalf.

After graduate school, Chris did more than just get a job. He came back to Newtown and started giving back to the community that had given him so much over the years. By joining the Board of Directors for Parent Connection, Prevention Council, and other community groups, he continuously engages himself in this community and learns more about our needs.

Chrisâs energy and enthusiasm are clearly evident through the way he is knocking on doors every day, talking to voters, and is consistently out in our community. I know that when Chris gets to Hartford he will put this energy to use right away by fighting for us in the state legislature.

To learn more about Chrisâs campaign please visit www.ChrisLyddy.com. Please join me in voting for him on November 4!

Lauren Reed

18 Farm Field Ridge Road, Sandy HookÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â October 21, 2008

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Dan was a real gentleman. I had the honor of knowing him for about 10 years from high school and into early adulthood. He was always upbeat and amiable. His love of golf was boundless. I remember him droning on about the type of wedge this or that professional golfer was playing at any given time. He loved to play also. Dan made the winning putt that clinched a championship for NHS men’s golf in 1984. It was a snaking, downhill putt that few people would have had the nerve or imagination to have holed at such a critical moment. It was magic!! You are a true gem, Dan. May your eternal reward be endless days of long, straight drives and the sound of difficult putts finding the bottom of the hole.

Daniel R. Baker

Congratulations John! This is quite a feat & shows a lot of perseverance, endurance, & commitment while becoming more healthy & having fun! The ultimate achievement! Wishing u a long healthy life!

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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The 1st Amendment does NOT say "except when there's a budget problem, or when some people wish things would quiet down." There is no way a proposed ordinance can be construed as other than singling out RockthisDemocracy, and also no way the town does not get expensively buried in court should it be foolish enough to go down this path.

Assembly Ordinance?

The Editor suggest a meeting between the "Rock This Democracy " and the Police Commission. As a former Police Commissioner the Chief should have followed the chain of command and discussed this with the Police Commission. The Chief reports to the Elected Police Commission not our Republican First Selection. Can't help but feel this is Republican politics again making an issue out of a non issue.

I support Chief Kullgren’s request to explore permitting, and cost-sharing for large gatherings. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I fully support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. However, where and how often these protests occur matters. Main Street is not just a symbol — it’s a vital artery for daily life in town. When events are held there monthly, and at increasing scale, they cause disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic. While the Rock This Democracy group may describe these protests as unique or urgent, the frequency — roughly once every two weeks this spring — suggests more of a recurring series than a singular, spontaneous moment of civic expression. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Every time a protest happens, our police department is forced to assign resources, often on overtime. That expense adds up quickly. If any group wants to use public space regularly, particularly in a way that impacts traffic and requires police presence, then it’s reasonable for the town to consider permitting and cost-sharing — just as we do for other organized events like races, festivals, or parades. Let’s protect everyone’s rights — including the right of the community to function smoothly and the right of taxpayers not to bear undue cost for repeated events. I trust the Council to consider a reasonable path forward that balances speech with responsibility.

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