Letter Of Endorsement

To the Editor:

On Tuesday I will be one in a room full of Democrats as we cast our votes at Representative Lyddy’s caucus to nominate him to a second term as our state representative.  I am proud to offer my support for his reelection.

For the past two years, Chris Lyddy has served the people of Newtown in Hartford; collaborating with other legislators, working across the aisle, and devoting himself wholeheartedly to bettering the lives of people in Newtown.

As the campaign goes on, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to comment on the tremendous impact Rep Lyddy has had on Newtown. Whether it was through legislation, dealing with state agencies, or advocating for individuals, Rep Lyddy has dedicated himself to serving us, the people of Newtown, and for that, I am most grateful.

While the list of things Rep Lyddy has done for Newtown is too lengthy for this letter, I would like to take a moment to share a few things that come to mind.  In just the past couple weeks, Rep Lyddy teamed up with Senator McKinney, proposing and voting for legislation that will help to protect aquifer areas. They both fought for this legislation knowing how important it is to the people of Newtown that we protect one of our most valuable resources, the environment.  Knowing that Newtown has one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the area, Rep Lyddy co-sponsored legislation ensuring Connecticut residents had access to wider arrays of treatment for this crippling disease.  In these difficult economic times, Rep Lyddy voted for a budget that preserved funding to our schools and towns. In a continued effort to help towns and cities save money, Rep Lyddy advocated for a bill that allows pooling of prescription drugs, a move that could save Newtown up to $250,000. Rep Lyddy is also working with the Department of Economic Development and programs such as CT Main Street to help attract businesses to Newtown.  He went to legislative leaders and fought to ensure hunters and fisherman who purchased their licenses early get the credit they rightly deserve. Rep Lyddy continues to serve as a resource with the State Department of Education, closely following the high school expansion project.  These are just a few examples of the many ways Rep Lyddy has been working for the people of Newtown during his first term in office.

As a lifelong resident of Newtown, and someone who has always been actively engaged with this community, it is no surprise that Rep Lyddy got right to work for us in Hartford, fighting for us on the frontlines and ensuring our voices were heard.  I am grateful he is willing to continue his service to the people of Newtown, and hope you will join me in supporting him!

Sincerely,

Maribeth Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook May 18, 2010