To the Editor:

What do I want in an elected official? Do I want a person who adheres to a rigid set of political ideas, or possesses critical thinking and problem solving skills that transcend party lines? Do I want a person who tells me a specific set of actions he will accomplish if elected, or do I want someone who can work with others to solve community problems? I want the problem solver; I want the team player. I want Paul Lundquist, candidate for the Legislative Council, District 1.

In 2007-08, amid a contentious election in which candidates of all three parties claimed to know what Newtown voters wanted, Paul conducted a survey of Newtown residents on issues like the future of Fairfield Hills. It was done carefully and without bias, and provided elected officials with solid evidence amid the clamor of people who had already made up their minds.

As a member of the Legislative Council, Paul took on the job of co-chair of the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee, a group that studied the maintenance of town-owned facilities. It was a huge job that involved many layers of research. Paul oversaw the writing of that report, and presented it to the council.

As a member of the Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee, Paul was chair of the Public Participation and Community Engagement Subcommittee. The process was well organized, open, and included varying ways Newtown residents could voice their ideas about the future of the campus.

I will be voting for Paul Lundquist on Election Day, November 8, because of his proven record of service to the town, and his thoughtful, fact-based approach to solving problems. I urge District 1 voters to vote for him as well.

Sincerely,

Maureen Crick Owen

16 Tamarack Road, Newtown                                   October 25, 2011