To the Editor:

Newtown voters are fortunate to have two candidates like Will Rodgers and Chris Lyddy competing for state representative in this election.

I will be voting for Chris Lyddy on Election Day because I believe he has the bolder vision for both our state and our community on the important issues, such as tax reform and education. I also believe Chris is the candidate who will be most focused on the health and welfare of our entire community and our citizens, as he has demonstrated as a member of the Legislative Council.

It was Chris who raised the privacy issues at stake with the recent change in Charter’s Internet policies.  It was Chris who raised safety issues concerning the new fire alarm ordinance and who worked with me to get it amended before it was approved. It is Chris who brought forward to the Legislative Council the issue of the serious impact Lyme disease is having on our citizens.

Chris was the only Democrat or Republican council member to see the merit in having a Legislative Council subcommittee review the ordinance governing Fairfield Hills to ensure it was still relevant and of benefit to our community.

Chris will do something we all value in our elected representatives: he will put a human face on the issues and provide us with an elected official at the state level that all citizens of Newtown will feel comfortable in approaching with their concerns.

Having worked with Chris on the council as a “freshman” council member, I know he shares my philosophy of being open-minded and treating all those in the community with respect, regardless of their positions on the issues.

He has also demonstrated a willingness to work across party lines with both new and longer-term members of the council.

Chris will be a great representative for Newtown as a state legislator, just as he has been during his time on the Legislative Council. I hope you will join me in voting for him on November 4.

Gary Davis

23 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook                       October 29, 2008