To the Editor:

I am writing to encourage my friends and neighbors to join me in supporting Ryan Knapp for reelection to the Legislative Council. During his more than three terms on the council, Ryan has been a leader and advocate for our community.

As chair of the bipartisan Ordinance Committee, he has shepherded several local laws through the vetting and approval process with a focus on solving problems without overreaching. He has worked on ordinances to help local farms, disabled veterans, and protect our drinking water. Under his leadership, the committee also amended several ordinances to make the work better for our town including the Alarms Ordinance, Senior Tax Abatement, and the Roads Ordinance, which gave the town tools to help address our failing infrastructure. He has an honest and objective approach and works well with all parties.

Even if he disagrees with an outcome, as he ultimately did with the new 10-cent fee for paper bags law mandated on local businesses, no one can say he does not see that people of all opinions have an opportunity to speak and all suggestions are given due consideration and fair hearing. Simply look at the Ordinance Committee minutes, which he clerks himself, as they are a testament to his level of detail, conviction for transparency, and the effort he puts into serving our community.

Ryan Knapp is the sort of dedicated volunteer that makes small towns like ours function. Please join me in supporting his reelection on November 5th.

Please note that although I am president of the Newtown Rotary Club, my comments are my own as an individual and not on behalf of the Rotary Club.

David Freedman

Laurel Road, Newtown October 25, 2019