To the Editor:

My name is Cathy Reiss, and I’m a candidate for Newtown’s Legislative Council, District 1.

When my husband and I began our married life in Newtown, we instantly fell in love with the town, not only for its picturesque beauty, but especially for the people — everyone was so friendly and would do anything to help someone in need. We happily raised our children here.

Throughout the years, I’ve volunteered in our schools and the community, including leadership and financial positions, but have not yet held a political office.

I’d always felt that I could trust our elected town officials to make critical evaluations, and their decisions would be made with Newtown’s residents topmost in mind. Our elected officials didn’t engage in political hysteria like we might see at the state and national level, nor burden us with undue regulations because, in the end, we’re all neighbors who care for one another.

Sadly, that seems to be changing, as evidenced by the recent passage of a Newtown plastic bag ban/paper bag fee. On a party-line vote, the Legislative Council curtailed the free exchange of legal goods among free citizens, without evidence that this would fix any problem affecting Newtown’s environment or residents, as purported. Especially as some families struggle to make ends meet in our high-tax-burdened area, this was the Council’s focus? Intent on changing our everyday behaviors by the force of law, the Council majority seemingly lost focus on who they’re serving.

This is the antithesis of the Newtown I fell in love with. That’s why I’m running for office.

If elected, I’ll seek objective truth, look for cost savings, and make evaluations based on logic and reason. And I’ll never forget that it would be my duty to protect our unalienable rights.

I hope you’ll support me.

Cathy Reiss

42 Obtuse Road, Newtown September 25, 2019