To the Editor:

Tuesday, November 2, is Election Day for municipal offices. Please remember to vote or make absentee arrangements with Newtown’s Town Clerk Debbie Halstead.

Today, I write in strong support of Tom Long, who’s running to represent District 3 on Newtown’s Legislative Council. Tom’s so much more than the steady, analytic person I’ve called “friend” for many years; he’s actually one of Newtown’s best kept secrets.

Tom is modest and, since he’s unlikely to boast about his local volunteerism and professional accomplishment, I’d like to. Tom’s exactly the kind of person we need to represent a diverse Newtown. He’s an incredible listener, fair and dedicated to finding common ground. He’s a genuine “collaborator.”

Locally, Tom Long has contributed to our town in many ways. Presently, he serves as a trustee on CH Booth Library’s board and is an active member of the Newtown Forest Association. When he’s not running in the town, Tom’s a driving force for Newtown’s Turkey Trot. He’s also served on Newtown’s Charter Revision Commission and on Edmond Town Hall’s Board of Managers.

Everything Tom does is focused on rolling up his sleeves and making a difference.

Professionally, for 16 years, he’s led the communications and program development efforts for The WorkPlace, Connecticut’s most successful regional workforce development nonprofit. With an 85% placement rate, The WorkPlace and Tom have put thousands of long-term unemployed, mature professionals back to work. Tom knows how government functions and is an artful collaborator, getting results.

I am honored to call Tom Long a friend and hope you will join me in voting for him and his running mates, Jeff Capeci and Phil Carroll, on November 2.

Sincerely,

State Representative Mitch Bolinsky

Newtown