A Candidate No More

To the Editor:

For the first time in eight years, I am not a candidate for public office. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served on the Legislative Council and wish those running for reelection and those running for the first time, good luck. I would also like to thank Joe DiCandido for his eight years of service on the council. Joe and I have not always seen eye to eye on the issues, but I respect his opinions, value his counsel, and know that we can disagree, yet remain friends.

As the campaigns move forward, I urge the candidates and their supporters to keep to the high ground. Negative campaigning, in my opinion, has no place in our local elections. Debate the issues, disagree on policies and priorities, separate yourselves from the crowd, but be civil and remember that your opponent today may well be your colleague tomorrow.

Fran Pennarola

17 Webster Place, Newtown                                   September 9, 2009