We Need John Byrnes

I am pleased to be a candidate for the Town of Harwinton Zoning Commission on the Democratic ticket with John Byrnes for Selectman. It is for John that I speak.

For more than 28 years, John's electrical contracting company has made it possible for many Harwintonians to toast their bread and brew their coffee each morning. Although running a full-time business that provides jobs, taxes and services to the community, John still made time to give of himself to make Harwinton a better place as a member of the Zoning Commission for 24 years, chairman for 17 years, and a member of the Board of Selectmen for two years. He's been a member of the Democratic Town Committee and was its chair for twelve years, a member of the Elks Club, and a 35-year retired member of the Lions Club.

Even as a minority Democrat in a predominantly slug-footed Republican administration, John was instrumental in developing the invaluable Land Use Office, staffed with a part-time, salaried attendant. John is a strong advocate for resolving the pollution problems and bringing clean, safe water where it's needed most—to the waiting people whose health and homes have too long been jeopardized, to the Senior Housing, to Town Hall, to our schools and firehouse, and for fire protection hydrants to the businesses and homes along Route 4.

Few people speak unkindly of John. He has frequently stood apart from his colleagues when proposed development plans deviated from our important zoning regulations. Those plans received a resounding "No" vote from John. While some commissioners were content to only read zoning petitions before rendering these difficult decisions, John walked the site, spoke to neighbors, and kept Harwinton's well-being uppermost in mind. His "Yes" votes can be seen today, everywhere in Harwinton.

We need John Byrnes in Harwinton's town government for his experience, strength of character, and dedication to serving the people of Harwinton.