To the Editor:

My father used to say to me: “I’d rather be lucky than smart.” All of us living or working in Newtown are lucky because this is such a beautiful community full of warm and caring people. As we face threats to our community’s gentile and bucolic nature, both from within and beyond our borders, we need a steady and proven leader. In this regard, we are lucky to have Pat Llodra, ready, willing, and able to serve as our leader and our first selectman. Now all we’ve got to do is be smart enough to elect her.

Pat will be the first one to tell you that she doesn’t have all the answers. However, I’ve seen in her character the ability to diplomatically and exhaustively persevere regardless of the challenges and obstacles she may face. Pat comes with a proven track record of leadership on our Legislative Council and as our former Newtown High School principal. As the principal of the Northwestern Regional High School, Pat built bridges to unite the four unique Litchfield County communities of Norfolk, Colebrook, Barkhamsted, and New Hartford. A friend of mine who is a respected leader in this region has experienced firsthand Pat’s proven leadership and likeability. Pat is unique among the candidates in being able to build bridges in our community that will benefit us all.

So when I go to the polls next week, I’ll be voting for Pat Llodra and her experienced and dedicated running mate, Will Rodgers. These two people are my selection as the best team to lead our community forward.

George Ferguson

49 Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                              October 27, 2009