To the Editor:

On Tuesday, November 8, we will have the opportunity to vote for the people who will guide our town government for the next two years. I am enthusiastic about the excellent candidates nominated by the Democratic Party this year (www.newtownctdemocrats.org). In particular, I believe that Paul Lundquist offers voters in Legislative Council District 1 the chance to elect a very fine candidate.

Paul distinguished himself as a person who listens to the public and works well with others, regardless of party affiliation, to find the common ground needed to build consensus when he served on the Legislative Council. Paul filled Chris Lyddy’s unexpired term when Chris was elected our state representative in 2008. He demonstrated the qualities of reason, responsibility, and respect that the Democrats are proposing to bring back to town government this year. The same was true when he played a major role on the very successful Master Plan Review Committee that just completed their important assignment.

Paul has a strong professional background in public opinion research and has stated what he intends to contribute to the Legislative Council:

* “Understanding public sentiment and giving my professional all to earn their trust is what I am about. I am a creative and disciplined thinker who is adept at taking on and breaking down complex issues. I am a team player who can synthesize facts, and identify commonalities of opinion across diverse groups. There is both a functional and emotional component to this approach, and it adds a human element to what might otherwise be intensely analytical work.

* “I endeavor to always base decisions on facts and data, with clear rationale to frame the outcome so that the path from Point A to Point B is clear to anyone who cares to understand.”

Paul believes that “with the public’s understanding of how and why decisions are made, it is possible — even in times of economic challenge — to support investment in the long-term goals and interests of our community. This includes continued development of the Fairfield Hills campus, commercial and economic development to help generate future tax revenue, maintenance of town infrastructure, and responsible investment in education.”

I urge District 1 voters to join me in voting for Paul Lundquist and I hope that all voters will support all of our outstanding Democratic candidates and where additional voting choices are available, some fine Republican candidates as well.

Respectfully,

Herb Rosenthal

70 Main Street, Newtown                                           October 26, 2011