Support Pours in for Al Letizio Jr.

Support is pouring in for Al Letizio Jr. since he announced his candidacy for the Windham Board of Selectmen Monday.

He is seeking the expiring seat of fellow Windham Republican Bruce Breton. 

According to Letizio's campaign page on Facebook, “Al Letizio, Jr. for Selectman,” Breton will not seek re-election due to health reasons. Breton's term is finished in March.

“I offer my candidacy for Selectman following my friend Selectman Chair Bruce Breton’s recent health issues which have caused him to drop from the race for re-election in 2013,” Letizio wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday afternoon. 

 “Along with his many other friends in Windham, I wish Bruce a swift and complete recovery and thank him for his exemplary and unselfish service to our community.”

After creating the social media page, many residents made comments supporting Letizio’s decision. 

Even Letizio’s stance on national politics can’t dissuade his supporters.

“Though I'm an ardent President Obama supporter, I support Al for selectman because of his level-headed approach to listening to both sides of an issue as School Board member,” said resident Claude Peltz.

In August, dozens of residents held a protest outside A.J. Letizio Sales & Marketing business on Route 111 during Obama’s campaign stop at Windham High School.

“Al is a generous benefactor to the community and a proven successful business owner,” Peltz said. “These are the qualities that would make 
him an ideal candidate to address Windham's future issues.”

Letizio’s family moved to Windham in 1976 while he was still in high school. He and his wife Patti stayed on in town to raise their three children.

 “I am hoping to put my conservative business and community principles to work for our town again at a time that they can be utilized the most,” Letizio wrote on his Facebook page. “The growth of our infrastructure has not always kept pace with the growth of our population and we continue to be challenged to provide the same services to a larger population.”

Al and Patti Letizio founded the Windham Christmas Association, a non-profit organization that works in cooperation with Windham Helping Hands to help families during the holiday season. Most recently, the couple has hosted fundraising efforts to raise money for the Friends of Moeckel Pond. 

“Al has a heart of gold,” said Anna Marie Catterin, a former Windham resident who now resides in Londonderry. “He is so caring and giving. If he hears anyone needs anything, he is there.”

Letizio has served two terms on the Windham School Board, and also served as board chairman during the Windham High School project.

He currently serves on the Windham Economic Development Committee. 

Barbara Coish, who served on the Windham School Board during one of Letizio’s terms, said she has been concerned about Breton’s health for a long time.

“As his health will allow, he can do even more from the outside as I have found works for me,” Coish said.

As for supporting Letizio for selectman, Coish said, “I cannot say whom I will or will not support. I will have to weigh all candidates in my mind and I may or may not publicly support candidates. I will have to wait to make my decisions.”