​Campaigning can be hard work

Let’s get this out of the way: I am utterly biased in believing that Rich Townsend would be a great addition to Town Council. He’s a great guy—one of the very best. He is also my dad.

Here’s the thing, I am biased, but I am also right. I have worked with Rich professionally for almost a decade, so perhaps my view is more well-rounded than most daughters. He is fair-minded and has a gift for listening. He’s the consummate team player, but unafraid to stand by his opinions when he believes he is right. He has run companies and his life by the principles of fiscal discipline, common sense and prudent prioritization.

But that begs an important question - what are his priorities? Rich has earmarked property values as his way to measure decisions for Town Council. This metric encompasses all the factors that make a town a great place to live - low crime, easy commuting options, great schools etc.

The reason we moved back to New Canaan is the same that brought my parents here 23 years ago—the superior schools make this the perfect town for growing children.

Over the years and through the kids, Rich has been an East Eagle, a South Paw and a Westy Whale. He cheered our Saxe theatrical efforts and clapped the loudest at our NCHS graduations. You can still find him at the schools today, as the next generation takes their turn at Halloween parades and strings concerts. Rich’s commitment to New Canaan schools is deep and abiding.

Having commuted by car, rail and most recently foot, Rich gets commuting and its challenges. Commuter convenience does not affect only one or two members of a household. I still remember when my dad’s parking permit for Talmadge Hill arrived. Dad was happy, but not as pleased as Mom who had driven him to and fro in the interim. With the parking permit wait lists now stretching for years, commuter convenience matters to our residents’ quality of life.

As I said, I am biased. But I hope you will come out to support Rich Townsend - a truly great guy.

Want to learn more? Please check out @RT4NC on Facebook. Most importantly, whoever you support: please vote on Tuesday, July 18, 2017.

- Elizabeth DeMuth