To the Editor:

I am writing in support of George Ferguson who, I’m confident, will make an extraordinary state representative for Newtown in Hartford.

Over the years we have known each other, George’s commitment to doing “right” by his neighbors and the community as a whole have always been his most obvious and compelling characteristic. Having served more than 20 years on various boards, commissions, and committees, George has seemingly always been among the first to step up to the plate and take on the tough jobs.

Today, as we both serve on Newtown’s Legislative Council, I know George will be prepared for each meeting and active in committee work. The energy he places in fact-finding and speaking at length with people on all sides of important issues is commendable, and the fact that he tackles every issue with an open mind shows a deep respect for the different needs and perspectives of our diverse community.

George and I share many concerns about how Hartford has drifted away from understanding the challenges we face in a small town. The ruling party, including the young man who’s currently serving his first term after Julia Wasserman’s retirement, has abandoned communities like Newtown and instead focused on big-money programs and subsidies for big cities. So few of the hard-earned tax dollars sent to Hartford by Newtown taxpayers make it back here. Plus, it’s clear this is not likely to change with our junior representative, who votes at the whim and winds blowing from his party’s liberal Democratic leadership.

It’s time we draw a line in the sand and just say no to his spending and taxing ways. Our town and our neighbors have needs of their own, especially the growing population of individuals and seniors on fixed incomes. They’re at their breaking point and can’t afford more taxes to be spent elsewhere. George understands this and wants to address the needs of Newtown by peeling away the layers of state government and restoring local decisionmaking to local leaders.

George gets it. We have needs too. He has the best interests of our community at heart.

On November 2, the choice is clear; Vote George Ferguson, Republican, for Newtown’s 106th District State Representative. Vote for your neighbor, the experienced businessman, homeowner, and family man who will listen to what you have to say and then actually do something about it.

For the good of all in our community,

Richard Woycik

36 Grand Place, Newtown                                          October 19, 2010