To the Editor:

My name is Matt Cole, and I’m running to be Newtown’s next state representative. Over the past few months, I have knocked on thousands of doors (I underestimated my numbers at the forum put on by The Bee), listening to Newtowners about the direction they believe the state government should be heading toward. I’ve also been explaining how I believe that I am the best candidate to represent our town and district.

I have lived in Newtown all of my life. I attended and graduated from our public schools and later attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in social work. Being a lifelong Newtowner, I truly believe it is nicer in Newtown and will work as your state representative to ensure that Newtown starts to get its fair share back from Hartford to help reduce our town’s reliance on property taxes.

I also have experience at the State Capitol working in former Rep. Chris Lyddy’s office. During my time working for Rep. Lyddy, I assisted with legislative initiatives and assisted constituents who were having trouble getting help from the various state agencies. I also witnessed first-hand how beneficial it was for Newtown to have a voice in the majority party, something that we do not currently have.

On the issues, I strongly support the gun safety and mental health bill passed in the wake of 12/14 and will work with organizations in town like the Newtown Action Alliance to close loopholes and make it even stronger. I will also support efforts to acquire state funding for projects like the new Sandy Hook School. I strongly believe that raising taxes should be the last thing we do heading into the next biennium and look forward to working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to craft a budget that will move our state in the right direction.  I also believe that investing more in education will have an impact that would span generations.

Lastly, I wanted to take the time to thank all of the voters for their warm reception on the campaign trail. From the dog days of summer, through the Labor Day Parade, and now in the homestretch days of door-knocking and phone-calling, Newtowners were always welcoming and always offered a good conversation about the direction that the state should be heading in. I hope everyone takes the time to vote on November 4th and please consider voting for me in position 4B. It has been a great honor running for this position and will be the greatest honor serving as your state representative next term.

Truly,

Matt Cole

Candidate for 106th District State Representative

2 Driftway Drive, Newtown                                       October 29, 2014