To The Editor:

I'd like to take this opportunity to voice my support for Kyle Lyddy, candidate for State Representative of the 106th district in Connecticut. In addition, I'd like to petition Democratic voters to join me in supporting Kyle at the Democratic caucus on May 24, at 6:30 pm, in the Newtown Middle School Auditorium.

Kyle has decided to enter politics on account of his brother, Chris Lyddy, who effectively represented our district for four years, beginning in 2008, and ending his term in 2012. Kyle is looking to follow in his brother's footsteps, and represent the people of the town that he loves.

Kyle is committed to serving his community, and wants to bring his constituents a level of transparency in order to ensure that every citizen understands and is able to access critical government services. Recently, it has become a growing theme that democracy is dying, and unattainable. Kyle wants to show his constituents that democracy can work, and that every voice matters and is heard.

Kyle is dedicated to having real conversations across the community in order to better understand the thinking of how Newtowners believe we can make this town a prosperous place to live, work and be active. Kyle continues to remain visible, approachable and active around Newtown, looking for solutions and ways to improve state government.

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Kyle founded the "We Are Newtown" Memorial Scholar-ship, an initiative to raise dollars for Newtown students looking to pursue a career in education. Since the beginning of the scholarship, the fund has raised over $175,000, and currently has six students at the collegiate level pursuing that dream.

Every day, Kyle continues to show his commitment to serving our community. There is no question that previous representatives of Newtown have emphasized care, concern, and their passion for serving the town, but Kyle brings a fresh face, and a sense of commitment that is unmatched.

Politics and government can only be as successful as the relationship a representative has with his or her constituents. Unfortunately, this is not always a strong connection. Kyle will be a representative that residents of Newtown can look to in times of struggle, talk to in times of need, and go to with ideas to improve the place we all call home.

We all have the same mission. We all love our town, and want to see it flourish. Kyle has proved to me that his initiative, commitment, and leadership is what we need for Newtown, and I hope when you meet him, he you will soon feel the same way. Kyle is the type of representative you can be proud of both here in Newtown, and in Hartford.

Please join me in support Kyle on May 24 for the Democratic caucus. It will be one positive step in the right direction for new and improved leadership for Newtown.

Stephen Conway

10 Stone Gate Drive, Sandy Hook, Conn. May 17, 2016