To the Editor:

In 2005 my wife Tina and I moved to Newtown seeking a hometown where we would set down roots, enjoy the company of wonderful neighbors and find ample opportunities to get involved and give back to the community. The strength of Newtown is cultivated by the willingness of residents to get involved and to volunteer their time and talents.

I am thankful for the opportunities to serve on various town boards and commissions. This fall I will complete my first term on Newtown’s Legislative Council. Previously I have served on the Economic Development Commission, the Parks and Recreation Trails Committee, Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers and as a trustee of the C.H. Booth Library. Additionally, I was appointed to serve on the 2014 Charter Revision Commission.

In the community, I have been a volunteer for the Red Cross and the Newtown Forest Association. I founded Newtown Toastmasters, played for the Newtown Sandy Hook Vintage Baseball Club, and for several years was the Race Director for the Newtown Turkey Trot 5K road race. My recent interest in pickleball provided an opportunity for me to become a founding member of the Fairfield County Pickleball Club.

I have enjoyed meeting so many residents and learning about Newtown’s rich history. I consider myself fortunate to live here and during my first term on the Legislative Council set a priority for continuing to decrease dependency on borrowing, supporting public safety measures to maintain our neighborhoods, expand open space and advance road and bridge maintenance. Underlining these ideals is the need to make prudent budget choices which will keep Newtown an affordable place to raise a family.

This fall I am seeking a second term to volunteer on Newtown’s Legislative Council. The past two years have been a rewarding experience for me, and I believe my time and effort has made a positive contribution. I hope you do as well. Over the next two months I will be out in the community asking for your support.

I look forward to the conversations and the opportunity to keep learning about my hometown.

Tom Long

Newtown