To the Editor:

A few months ago a group of citizens became linked together. Originating from WeCAN, Friends of Fairfield Hills, Friends Of Newtown, and PTA, and seeing each other at meetings, we realized that though our specific paths varied, our goal was the same. As we melded together to ask our leaders for a course correction, and none was provided, the formation of the Independent Party of Newtown became the course correction.

We have not been raised from the political cradle, and we have no back room deals. We do have something much stronger, the will to answer the needs of the people. It was no mistake that when we called on the public to make a stand, 400 people showed up to a Legislative Council meeting last February. Thirteen IPN-related candidates, each with strong followings, would not exist today if the needs of our town had been reprioritized by the current administration.

Leaders are born out of necessity and innovation is born out of an idea that there must be a better way.

We have left our families, our work responsibilities, and our free time because we did hear our community on February 4.In challenging the status quo, we have been called extremists, disgruntled, a “special interest” group. We are honored by those statements. Our forefathers were also disgruntled extremists who challenged the status quo and gave birth to a document that begins “We the People, in order to form a more perfect union...”

Along with being disgruntled, we have been called Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliateds in sheep’s clothing. We choose to run as a slate of independent candidates, which entitles us to retain our political affiliations until we earn one percent of the votes in the election. Best of all, unlike the other parties in town, we can freely profess to support quality candidates of the opposing parties that have pledged to work collectively for a better Newtown. Let freedom ring! Have any of these parties been able to collectively mount such a successful and comprehensive campaign in less than half a year’s time? It’s extraordinary! A clear indication that this group can and will move Newtown forward.

On November 6 in the privacy of the voting booth, you cannot be intimidated into professing the acceptance of the status quo. Those of you who have been quietly waiting and watching in the wings will make an executive decision that will preserve our beautiful town, and change the stagnant way in which it is run. For more information on our party and to view the candidates, please visit www.independentpartyofnewtown.com.

Desiree Galassi

Board Of Education Candidate

Independent Party of Newtown

151 Huntingtown Road, Newtown                 October 30, 2007