To the Editor:

The Legislative Council is Newtown’s foremost commission — the ultimate leadership group, other than our three selectmen. The best, brightest, and most capable are elected to this body.

Tom Long, who has been a community leader in his career and in our town, belongs on our Legislation Council. Tom is a long-time staff member (and now SVP) of The WorkPlace, a federal employment program in six states, which helps people of all ages find jobs — and careers.

Many of you know him through town activities. He’s been an active leader of all kinds — from directing our town’s annual Turkey Trot to serving on the Parks and Recreation Trails Committee — to being a member of our Charter Revision Commission, a trustee of Booth Library, the Newtown Forest Association, and founder of Newtown Toastmasters. He also served on the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers. He’s a balanced, friendly person with a great family.

I met Tom about 20 years ago. David Carson, then CEO of People’s Bank (now M&T Bank) suggested I get to know him as a rising young capable. At that time, he was serving on the staff of Congressman Chris Shays, a moderate Republican, often recognized for his bipartisan perspective. Tom has the same collaborative spirit.

I have lived in Newtown for more than 50 years. We have so many brilliant, capable people in this town. But it’s not often that one with these skills is a proven leader who will really devote the time, and himself, to the purpose. Please join me in electing Tom Long for Legislative Council.

Sincerely,

Jane Sharpe

Sandy Hook