To the Editor:

This past weekend my son’s baseball team lost their game due to a dropped pop fly, allowing the opponent to break the 3-3 tie on a base hit. As the kids sulked on the bench after the game, the coaches reminded the players that “we need to move forward and learn from our mistakes.”

And so it is with our local politics — we need team players. Ones that understand the game, play fairly, listen to advice, and not point fingers. Luckily, this election cycle we have two team players running for Legislative Council: James Belden (District 3) and Paul Lundquist (District 1), both with proven records of success in volunteer and elected positions in Newtown.

With the many critical decisions affecting our town, such as land use, long-term planning, and efficient use of our tax dollars to name a few, it is community leaders like James and Paul who will listen to all sides of the story before judging an idea based on party affiliation alone. This openness of discourse will make each of them not only an asset to the district he serves but, most importantly, to the town at large.

I have known Paul Lundquist for 12 years. He is a natural for the council, as he listens intently and sometimes tactfully gives you another viewpoint to ponder. For those who know him or have met him, this comes across quickly. The townwide survey that Paul undertook a few years ago shows his eagerness to cut through the political quagmire and get to the more pressing issues on most people’s minds. He is a voice of reason and one that we as voters should not let pass. His eagerness to serve on the Legislative Council with his already demanding travel/job responsibilities is a testament to his commitment to the well-being of our town.

Of all the people I know in town, few have such a firm grasp on the facts and history of some of our current issues as James Belden. James’s ability to analyze complex municipal and environmental concerns and offer solutions in a way that circumvents the common polarity of local politics is invaluable.

James is mostly known for his leadership as president of the local Trout Unlimited chapter and of the Pootatuck Watershed Association, both of which ardently support water and environmental health in our region. Understanding the need to balance both prudent economic growth and stewardship of resources is on the minds of most adept politicians today. This election, we are fortunate to have such a leader on the ballot.

This election, we need an all-star team representing the voters. Time is precious, both for us and for our elected and appointed officials. Let’s make the most of it by electing competent and caring individuals who aren’t just filling space on the bench, sulking about a dropped ball. My first draft picks are Paul Lundquist and James Belden.

Thank you.

Dan Holmes

6 Farmery Lane, Sandy Hook                                   October 4, 2009