To the Editor:

The fourth graders at Hawley School are learning about good citizenship and my son, Matthew, has a distinct advantage in this lesson. His father is Paul Lundquist, candidate for Legislative Council in District 1. Paul is an ideal model of good citizenship. He cares about his town, its residents, and the institutions that make Newtown special and he takes action on behalf of the town if he sees a need he can fill.

A perfect example of this is his townwide survey conducted in 2007-2008 (“The Way Things Are in Newtown”). Paul’s supporters already wrote letters of endorsement which describe Paul’s extensive, balanced, and pro bono work. I could retell that tale from a wife’s perspective, emphasizing the time and energy Paul put into that project and describing how Paul never sacrificed time with his family, but instead worked late into the nights as the children and I slept. I could write about how I responded when people asked again and again why my husband was taking on this project. My answer was simple. Paul is a good man who is doing the right thing for Newtown.

I believe, however, that I should use this opportunity to write about Paul’s character. Paul is a truly decent, hardworking, and humble man. He is a loving, supportive husband and an affectionate, playful father to our sons, Matthew, 8, and Eddie, 2. Paul is an honest and trustworthy friend with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. He is a quiet man who, with a handful of well-chosen words and impeccable timing, can either deliver the funniest lines of the evening or disarm an awkward social moment.

Many of you know that Paul is an extraordinary drummer. I often tell people that being a drummer in a band is the perfect metaphor for Paul’s personality. Never center stage and rarely in a spotlight, Paul plays so flawlessly he could go almost unnoticed. He sets the pace from the start and can be counted on to maintain that pace throughout any piece of music. Paul sits behind the band, reliably keeping the group together and yet driving the group forward. His steady rhythm allows the other musicians to stand out. Only when Paul plays a solo, and the spotlight momentarily shines on him, does the audience truly appreciate his abilities. It is difficult to comprehend how one person can move so effortlessly, with such precision and such power, and yet with such subtlety and spontaneous creativity.

Paul Lundquist the drummer, like Paul Lundquist the man, offers his finest efforts to those around him and, in return, allows their talents to shine. He is exactly the kind of person one would want to help lead our town. His concern for his family, neighbors, and friends here in Newtown drives him as he performs his duties on the Legislative Council. I hope you will vote for Paul on November 3. Simply put, Paul Lundquist is a good man who will continue to do the right thing for Newtown.

Sincerely,

Elaine Lundquist

148 Currituck Road, Newtown October 27, 2009