To the Editor:

It is with great pleasure and confidence that I write this letter of endorsement for Chris Lyddy.

Many letters writers have already addressed the reasons to reelect Chris Lyddy to the position of state representative. So much of what he has done makes us proud. I would like to specify his work on the Domestic Violence Task Force and the legislation that came about as a result of that process.

Rep Lyddy was appointed to serve on this task force and took the time to listen, during many meetings and public hearings, to victims, advocates, and experts in the field. Working in three subgroups, the task force developed legislation addressing the educational, judicial, and services’ aspects of this terrible crime, both in terms of prevention and protection.

While there are many aspects to this new legislation, included is funding to allow Connecticut’s 18 domestic violence shelters to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The legislation also requires that local and regional school boards, as part of the in-service training they offer to certified employees, include information on preventing teen dating and domestic violence and establishing a pilot program for electronic GPS monitoring of family violence offenders.

I am grateful that Chris Lyddy is taking on important matters such as this one, working on legislation that has a real impact on our families and communities. For example, according to a commentary in a past Newtown Bee, “About 30 percent of criminal court (statewide) dockets involve domestic violence.” Chris Lyddy was sincere when he promised he would listen to our concerns, learn about the issues, and then lead on the things that matter to Newtown. This is just one example of Chris Lyddy taking the time to listen to us, learn from us, and lead…to make things better.

It’s easy to make campaign promises and it’s even harder to live up to them. When Chris Lyddy said he’d be a different kind of representative, one who was energetic and engaged, one who would really listen, he meant it. He has certainly earned our support for his reelection. He has earned mine! Please join me in voting for Newtown’s own — Chris Lyddy — on November 2.

Sincerely,

Roseanne G. Loring

9 Cobblestone Lane, Newtown                                  October 19, 2010