To the Editor:

Even though my husband, Joe Hemingway, has run for office before, this is the first time I’ve written a letter about him or his campaign. I’ve been more involved in this campaign and spent more time volunteering this time around. It starts with our cup of coffee in the morning, goes through football and baseball games and dinner conversations. We talk about this campaign, Joe’s ideas for Newtown, and the issues he and Gary have discussed with voters or in their position papers. We talk about issues a lot. Whether it’s Fairfield Hills, economic development, taxes, dog parks, Lyme disease, schools, open space, or countless other topics, we are always talking about them. It’s not just with me, though, it’s also with Newtown voters.

Gary and Joe have been publishing position papers for a couple months now; papers that aren’t just their opinion on an issue, but concrete plans and specific details of what they want to accomplish when they’re in office. They’ve shared their vision with Newtown voters for immediate actions and long-term goals. They get it. Their campaign is focused on moving Newtown forward. They’ve answered the questions of where this town is going and how we’re going to get there. That’s the kind of leadership Newtown needs.

I can’t help but see the contrast between them and the Republicans. After Gary and Joe had already started publishing several papers, the Newtown Republicans decided to also start doing this. Here’s the difference. The Newtown Republicans answer the questions “Did you know?” with a list of things Newtown already has and already does. This is not moving us forward, generating ideas, or creating dialogue about the issues. At the end of each paper there is a section titled, “What do Newtown Republicans think?” This short section is general and vague, not giving voters any clear indication of what they’ll do in office. Further, I find it very hard to believe that all Newtown Republicans think the same thing about anything.

If you haven’t had a chance to read Gary and Joe’s position papers, go to www.teamnewtown.org and click on issues. They’re all up there for voters to read, and I’m sure Gary and Joe would be more than happy to talk to you about them if you have any further questions or concerns, or have any ideas of your own to contribute to Newtown’s future.

Any married person knows that couples very rarely agree on every issue, and this isn’t to say that Joe and I agree on everything. I can say, however, that the ideas he’s put forth in this campaign create a great vision in moving Newtown forward. I also think the way he and Gary have courageously put forth specific plans and goals on controversial topics, when that isn’t the easy thing to do, shows they want a Board of Selectmen that’s open to ideas, opinions, and input from everyone. For these reasons, I hope you’ll join me in voting for them on November 3.

Maribeth Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook                                October 14, 2009