What Really Happened

To the Editor:

 After reading Mr Gary Davis’s letter to The Bee of July 8 titled “Openings For Unaffiliated Voters,” I feel it is only fair to the voters of Newtown to hear what really transpired in 2007 in terms of the Republican Party and its interaction with Mr Davis.

Flashback to 2007, current First Selectman Joe Borst, who was a Legislative Council member in 2007, decided to run for first selectman. Mr Davis asked to interview for the vacated spot on the ballot for Legislative Council from District 2. The Republican Town Committee’s Candidate’s committee interviewed Mr Davis (I was present) and he told us of his “lifelong Republican Party membership.” The interview seemed to go well and we thanked him. Before we were able to follow up with him with regard to his nomination, Mr Davis sent us an email withdrawing his candidacy. As we welcomed Mr Davis, and had a friendly and progressive meeting with him, the RTC was not sure what his reluctance was. As history has shown, Mr Davis decided to run with the IPN [Independent Party of Newtown].

When Mr Davis states in his letter: “if such an invitation had been offered sincerely in 2007 by either of the two established political parties in town, it might not have been necessary to form the IPN,” he is not stating the reality of what really happened.

The Republican party is a welcoming group, and in the past we have appointed unaffiliated voters to boards and commissions. Some are currently serving and we have nominated at least one unaffiliated voter to our November ballot. Our message is clear and not negative: we believe that the citizens of Newtown are entitled to the best representation that combines experienced leadership and fiscal responsibility. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Bill Brimmer

RTC Chairman

8 Hattertown Road, Newtown                                        July, 19, 2009