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New Ideas, Approaches, and Energy

After 40 years spent working in journalism and business, I believe I’m fairly adept at recognizing people with the skills, intelligence, and work ethic to succeed at whatever they decide to do. The best of them also have the proactive vision and leadership ability to guide an organization through challenging times.

I believe John-Michael Parker, candidate for state representative, has all those traits, coupled with a deep understanding of our town, our needs, and our values. He has demonstrated this as a graduate of Daniel Hand and Yale, a teacher in New York City, and as a founding member of The Future Project, one of the nation’s fastest-growing non-profit educational organizations.

But what really impresses me about John-Michael is the way he has approached his campaign. John-Michael has stood on doorsteps talking to voters of all political persuasions on every street, road, and byway of this town. He has listened intently to thousands of us, recognizing that the best solutions for Madison will come from the common sense of its citizens. This kind of energy, drive, and concern is exactly what we need.

What has he learned from us? That protection of our health care coverage, especially for pre-existing conditions, is paramount. That our woeful transportation infrastructure will never be repaired without changing the way we fund the huge expenditures needed. That continuing our tradition of excellence in education is all-important, since when our students succeed, Connecticut succeeds. Above all, John-Michael recognizes that the status quo in Hartford just isn’t good enough. We need new ideas, new approaches, and new energy.

I am retired. I cast my first vote in 1972. But I believe that John-Michael Parker and a new generation of leaders taking responsibility for our community and our state is exactly what we need.

Paul Kessinger

Madison