To the Editor:

I don’t know much about Newtown politics, but I sure sense that an election is near. I also know that there are a lot of good, caring, and intelligent people in this town. Those people that are seeking public office, regardless of their party affiliation, should be considered on their individual merits.

As residents of Newtown for the past six years, my wife and I have come to appreciate and would like to recommend two candidates seeking office this November, Paul Lundquist (Democratic ticket) and Margaret (“Peggy”) Jepsen (Independent ticket), running for First District Legislative Council and probate judge, respectively.

Paul Lundquist truly cares and knows what concerns the residents of Newtown. He volunteered his time and expertise to author the 2007/2008 Comprehensive Survey of Newtown Residents, and had taken the time and steps necessary to be appointed to the Legislative Council this past summer. In his short time as councilman for District 1, he has taken on a leadership role as co-chair for the Board of Education and Municipal Facilities Committee. He has been a resident of Newtown for ten years, and has always expressed well-balanced and reasoned perspectives on the economic and environmental needs of our town. As president of a successful marketing research company, he certainly knows how to lead and get a job done.

Peggy Jepsen has served as clerk to the retiring Judge Margot Hall for the past 18 years. For the past four years, Suzy and I have had several matters processed through our Probate Court. As a former New Yorker and as a practicing attorney, I was very surprised that our Probate Court could consistently maintain that balance of small town etiquette with the professional and disciplined requirements necessary for properly handling probate matters. More surprising, such a balance was maintained by the court while being both efficient and responsive. Electing Ms Jepsen as our probate judge will allow our town to continue to have such fine public service available to us.

Neal and Suzy DeYoung

9 Gopher Road, Newtown                                            October 4, 2009