Newtown Resident Announces Candidacy for State Representative

NEWTOWN, CT - Kyle Lyddy, a Newtown resident and Supervisor of Brand Experiences at Amplitude Marketing Group, Inc., has announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 106th District.

A 2005 graduate of Newtown High School, Lyddy is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Mitch Bolinsky. His brother, Chris Lyddy, represented the 106th District from 2008 to 2012.

“I am excited and humbled to announce my candidacy for State Representative in Newtown," said Lyddy, who also graduated from UConn in 2009, in a statement. "I grew up in this town, which has given so much to my family, and I’m now energized to help move our community forward. I’m inspired by the people who live here and envision this as an opportunity to motivate citizen involvement, to celebrate volunteerism and to pay attention to the needs and wants of Newtown residents. This campaign will be about the people of Newtown.”

From his press release:

“As State Representative for Newtown, I will listen to all voices with an open mind and partner with citizens to help our town adapt to changes wisely, grow economically and heal emotionally. I plan to encourage conversation by hosting several round tables, more frequently than once a year, in order to listen to those who may want or have the need to speak up. In a world that’s so fragmented, it’s our job to try and make us whole; by listening, engaging and acting we can do just that.

“As an advocate for Newtown, I will address the need to attract more businesses; to create jobs, especially in the technology field so that we can become more competitive in the job market, and find ways to encourage entrepreneurship. We need to be competitive by making resources available to help individuals succeed…for if not now, then when? This is the time to make our visions become reality.

“Let’s fill our vacant commercial buildings and market the town in a way that hasn’t been done before. I intend to work in tandem with the Economic Development Commission to get ideas circulating that will attract business-oriented people to town. Increasing jobs in our community will attract new families to town and improve real estate sales. We need to prioritize the creation of competitive jobs that will allow young people to come back and raise their families here. My experience in marketing will be a valuable asset in accomplishing all of these goals.

“I will also make the emotional needs of Newtown residents a major priority, with a focus on supporting the wellbeing of our families and helping them to stay in tact. As grants and other resources begin to dwindle or expire, I will speak up in Hartford and make it clear that these resources are still needed, that our community is still in the early stages of healing, and that it is our obligation to look out for those individuals who need help the most. This is a crucial time to speak up, and not be silent. There are many groups in town doing amazing work and I want to support their efforts, not leave them to navigate on their own. We are in this together.

“I will also work with local groups such as the Newtown Action Alliance and Sandy Hook Promise to support laws that protect us all from gun violence, and help prevent tragic accidents from occurring in the homes of lawful gun owners. We are a forever-changed community, but a community with a strong voice. That voice has echoed far and wide, and it’s important that we do not let it fade.

“We will celebrate our schools and honor Dr. Erardi’s leadership in focusing on how Newtown can continue to teach to the individual, and not just to the average student. Education is a draw for new families in our community. All students deserve to be heard, motivated and encouraged in an environment that allows them to thrive.

“In the three years since my brother Chris Lyddy left the Capitol, there has been little visibility for our community in Hartford. Like my brother, I am deeply invested in speaking up for the health and future of this town. I intend to help Newtown continue to be a town where we feel supported by our neighbors, friends and teachers, that attracts families and new businesses, and a place where kids can return to find valuable work after college."

Photo: Kyle Lyddy