Understanding Public Sentiment

To the Editor:

My name is Paul Lundquist, and I’m seeking a seat on the Legislative Council representing District 1. Over the course of the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of serving Newtown in a variety of volunteer and service roles. These engagements have provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and insights from numerous departments, boards/commissions and operational areas of our town. In this time of economic challenge and uncertainty, the need to be fiscally conservative with the spending of our local tax dollars is a uniting theme. Yet, the business of running our town with limited resources has created a level of concern and tension among many in the community. Tension between the public and our elected officials is amplified when the public doesn’t understand the Whys and Hows of our town’s decisionmaking processes. This is why the connection between our town government and the public is so important. Understanding public sentiment and giving my professional all to earn your trust is what I am about.

I’m a creative and disciplined thinker who is adept at taking on and breaking down complex issues. I am a team player who can synthesize facts, and identify commonalities of opinion across diverse groups. I endeavor always to base decisions on facts and data, with clear rationale to frame the outcome so that the path from Point A to Point B is clear to anyone who cares to understand. I believe that with the public’s understanding of how and why decisions are made, it is possible — even in times of economic challenge — to provide appropriate funding in support of the goals and interests of our community. This includes maintenance of town services and infrastructure, responsible investment in education, commercial and economic development to help generate future tax revenue, and continued development of the Fairfield Hills campus.

I ask for your support and your vote on November 8. Thank you!

Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns — lundquist.paul@gmail.com

Paul Lundquist

Democratic Candidate

Legislative Council, Dist. 1

148 Currituck Road, Newtown                                 October 12, 2011