GOP Touts Top Of Ticket Incumbents

By John Voket

Did you know that First Selectman Pat Llodra, an aspiring pilot, successfully completed takeoff and landing procedures in a Lear Jet simulator? Or that Selectman Will Rodgers, a veteran of the Iraqi Freedom campaign and former Marine Corps Reserve officer, gets teary-eyed during emotional Walt Disney movies?

These facts were just part of the personalized portraits were in the latest release from the local Republican Town Committee, which introduces the GOP’s top-of-ticket candidates for first selectman and the Board of Selectmen. Among the other introduction points:

Mrs Llodra was executive director of a statewide project in leadership development, and she is the vice president in charge of corporate policy for the family-owned business, a chemical sales and distribution firm for the personal care industry.

 And she was the recipient of two fellowships for advanced study in mathematics (number theory), as well as participating in the vanguard group using the data-driven decisionmaking process.

Mr Rogers is introduced as a self-employed businessman who, in 1993, established the Sugarbrook Law Center here in Newtown where he is a general practice solo attorney.

 Having served 30 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, Mr Rodgers achieved the rank of colonel and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006–2007. He was based in Baghdad, but traveled frequently around Iraq and the region.

And Mr Rodgers reveals his soft side, admitting he cries at weddings, and sometimes during Disney movies, and even Burger King commercials. “If they cue the sad music, I’ll get misty,” he said in the release.

Turning to more serious business, the release also details how the GOP incumbents focus on meeting Newtowners and learning about their hopes and desires, their visions for the town, and their concerns.

“We realize that the community ‘voice’ is made up of made many individuals, with diverse perspectives, yet with many common goals for the future of our town,” Mrs Llodra and Mr Rodgers state in the release.

They said that much of what was learned through personal conversations with residents and others can be captured in a package of seven points:

1) Newtown must address the tax burden placed on its property owners. Economies and efficiencies must be sought, and the impact of debt on current and future residents must inform spending decisions. Appropriate commercial/industrial development should proceed only when in concert with the town’s character and culture.

2) Newtown schools must continue the long tradition of excellence by becoming more resourceful, providing quality programs, and being customer (parent) responsive. 

3) Newtown must continue to strengthen and expand recreational, social, and cultural opportunities for all its citizens.   

4) Newtown’s physical appearance is very important. This includes not only roads and sidewalks, open spaces, greenways, and parklands, but the strict enforcement of housing, zoning, and environmental health codes to prevent the appearance of neglect.

5) Newtown’s government must provide the best customer service. The town must commit itself to continuous improvement to achieve this.

6) Newtown must remain a safe community with equal protection for all persons and property.

7) Newtown must expand its efforts at being more engaged with its residents as it sets public policy, and recognize the importance that strong neighborhoods have in enhancing the vitality of the community.

Any residents who feel they have something to add to these points are encouraged to make them known to Mrs Llodra and Mr Rodgers as they continue their a second round of walking neighborhoods, talking with residents, and confirming or recalibrating their understanding of those hopes, desires, and concerns for Newtown.

“Our goal is to continue representing you and to work toward the best future for Newtown through another term of service in our local government,” the candidates concluded.