IPN Announces Council Candidate Switch

By John Voket

The Independent Party of Newtown (IPN) recently endorsed Jasper Ress for Legislative Council to replace candidate Roger Letso. Mr Ress is a recent graduate of Roger Williams College majoring in political science and has worked on numerous political campaigns at the local and state level.

Mr Letso, one of two candidates originally announced for District 3 on the IPN slate, filed paperwork with the town clerk to withdraw from the election September 30.

Mr Letso told The Bee shortly after filing his intent to withdraw from the election, that a recent development related to his work will prevent him from serving on the council, if he was elected.

Mr Letso is a current member of Newtown’s Public Building and Site Commission, and he hopes to be able to continue to serve the community in that capacity going forward.

“I just won’t be taking on any more added responsibilities with the commission for the time being,” Mr Letso said. He and his wife, Suzanne, founded and run The Connecticut Center for Child Development Inc (CCCD Inc) in Milford, a nonprofit school for children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders.

Mr Letso said he recently learned a venture to open a branch of the school in Alaska will likely move forward sooner than expected, and he will be heavily occupied with that venture during the next few months or more.

In other IPN news, the party is planning to hold its second meet the candidates event Saturday, October 8, at 12 Glover Avenue. Candidates will be available discuss their platform, answer questions and hear about concerns and issue.

All residents are welcome attend.