Kyle Lyddy, whose brother formerly served the community as a lawmaker, declared his candidacy March 7 for the Connecticut General Assembly to represent Newtown in the 106th District.

Mr Lyddy, a Democrat, is currently serving as the chairman of the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission, and is supervisor of brand experiences at Amplitude Marketing Group, Inc.

He is a 2005 Newtown High School graduate, and 2009 graduate from the University of Connecticut. Mr Lyddy is the youngest of five children with his brother Chris Lyddy serving in the Connecticut General Assembly representing the 106th District from 2008 to 2012.

"I am excited and humbled to announce my candidacy for state representative in Newtown," Mr Lyddy said in a release. "I grew up in this town, which has given so much to my family, and I'm now energized to help move our community forward. I'm inspired by the people who live here and envision this as an opportunity to motivate citizen involvement, to celebrate volunteerism and to pay attention to the needs and wants of Newtown residents. This campaign will be about the people of Newtown."

As a state representative for Newtown, Mr Lyddy is pledging to "listen to all voices with an open mind and partner with citizens to help our town adapt to changes wisely, grow economically and heal emotionally."

"I plan to encourage conversation by hosting several round tables, more frequently than once a year, in order to listen to those who may want or have the need to speak up," he said. "In a world that's so fragmented, it's our job to try and make us whole; by listening, engaging, and acting we can do just that."

As an advocate for Newtown, Mr Lyddy said he will work to attract more businesses; to create jobs, especially in the technology field: and find ways to encourage entrepreneurship.

"Let's fill our vacant commercial buildings and market the town in a way that hasn't been done before," he said. "I intend to work in tandem with the Economic Development Commission to get ideas circulating that will attract business-oriented people to town. Increasing jobs in our community will attract new families to town and improve real estate sales. We need to prioritize the creation of competitive jobs that will allow young people to come back and raise their families here. My experience in marketing will be a valuable asset in accomplishing all of these goals."

Mr Lyddy said he will also make the emotional needs of Newtown residents a major priority, with a focus on supporting the well-being of families and helping them to stay intact.

"As grants and other resources begin to dwindle or expire, I will speak up in Hartford and make it clear that these resources are still needed, that our community is still in the early stages of healing, and that it is our obligation to look out for those individuals who need help the most," he said. "This is a crucial time to speak up, and not be silent. There are many groups in town doing amazing work and I want to support their efforts, not leave them to navigate on their own. We are in this together."

Mr Lyddy also committed to work with local groups such as the Newtown Action Alliance and Sandy Hook Promise to support laws that protect citizens from gun violence, and help prevent tragic accidents from occurring in the homes of lawful gun owners.

"In the three years since my brother Chris Lyddy left the Capitol, there has been little visibility for our community in Hartford," Mr Lyddy stated in his release. "Like my brother, I am deeply invested in speaking up for the health and future of this town. I intend to help Newtown continue to be a town where we feel supported by our neighbors, friends, and teachers; that attracts families and new businesses; and a place where kids can return to find valuable work after college."

Contacted following the announcement, Republican 106 District Rep Mitch Bolinsky said he had no announcement yet as to whether he would be seeking a third term this November.