Proven Leadership

To the Editor:

As I’ve watched coverage of our State Legislature on cable TV, it’s obvious many of the legislators there become far too bogged down in partisan ideologies.

One of the main reasons I’m supporting Will Rodgers this year is that he’s already proven himself a leader who climbs above the partisan fray to get the job done. He was initially selected as chairman of Newtown’s Legislative Council, when its membership was split 6–6 along party lines. To be elected to that seat in such a situation was a testament to his bipartisan appeal and abilities.

Years later, when the council tipped in membership in the other party’s favor, he offered up the chairmanship in a gesture of good faith. Instead, he was actually reelected to the position. He remains the chairman to this day, having shown a real dedication to treating both fellow council members and all members of the public fairly. Even those who disagree with his positions on a specific issue have praised this evenhandedness.

Will is not afraid to speak his mind and buck vocal minority opinion or even popular opinion when necessary. He always puts what is best for Newtown as a whole at the forefront of debate, voting both for the against school projects and municipal budgets as the overall fiscal constraints and circumstances warrant.

That is the kind of person we most need as Newtown’s voice in Hartford.

Sincerely

Robin L. Buchanan

15 Little Brook Lane, Newtown August 21, 2008