To the Editor:

First, let me say thank you to those that have supported me at the polls the last three elections as a District 2 representative on the Legislative Council. I have been honored to serve and hope I have met or exceeded your expectations. I am writing to ask the voters in District 2 to support me once again as one of your representatives for the next two years on the Legislative Council. I have loved serving Newtown the last six years despite the most difficult circumstances and challenging economic times. I believe that we are doing good work and all of those who serve your community work everyday to make it a better place.

I am a proud 18-year resident of Sandy Hook, and I'm thankful for the support of my husband of 21 years, Bruce Lafky, and my two sons, Nick, who is a junior at Amherst College and Chris who is a senior at Newtown High School. My experience as a three time PTA president as they progressed through the Newtown School system that we are all so proud of has helped shape my drive for continued community service.

I believe that when presented with the facts, the people of Newtown reach reasonable conclusions. I hope the things I have helped accomplish, as your representative the last six years, are enough to gain your support again this Election Day. My job as your representative is to be open to divergent perspectives, have respect for people’s differences of opinion and hear all of the voices in a debate. I have a sense of fair play and with your input will always seek a solution that provides for the common good of our community.

I am process oriented, and believe that fact driven discussions are the cornerstone of public debate. As a proven leader willing to ask difficult questions and tackle sensitive issues, you can expect me to champion discussions that others may find too difficult to take on.

Some of my top priorities will be:

*Continuing to encourage the conversation to address the issue of declining school enrollment.

*Recognizing and addressing new needs as a result in the change in demographics that will signifi-cantly increase our senior population.

*Presenting an acceptable budget to the voters in order to pass the next budget on the first vote.

*Continue to lead the Legislative Council by facilitating difficult discussions making sure that all council members have enough information to make fact-based decisions.

I hope I have earned your support. Please remember to vote for the candidates you believe best represent your values on Tuesday, November 3rd. District 2 voters should report to Reed Intermediate School between 6 am and 8 pm to cast their ballot. I’ll be standing on Wasserman Way with my dog Calvin and waving as a reminder! If you don’t know where to vote, click here

for a street-by-street listing of polling places.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Jacob

65 Mohawk Trail, Sandy Hook         October 26, 2015