Letter: Redding Republican Supports Pemberton, Graziano

To The Editor:

As a longtime Redding Republican candidate and office holder and former Vice Chair of the Republican Town Committee, I nonetheless have clung to the (perhaps antiquated) belief that local elections should be more about qualifications and capabilities than partisan politics. In that spirit, I'm singling out two Democrats who will get my vote on November 2.

I had the pleasure of serving with Cheryl Graziano for two years on the Region 9 Board of Education, and never knew anyone who was more diligent and fair minded in that capacity, or who conquered the learning curve more quickly. She not only deserves to be re-elected, but the Region 9 Board should also elect her as Chair for the next two years.

And, even though I lost to Julia Pemberton for First Selectman in 2013, Redding needs her continued leadership based on first-hand knowledge and experience. In particular, pursuing the successful redevelopment of Georgetown, as painfully slow and frustrating as it has been, requires her determination and sound judgment rather than simplistic assertions.

Chris Hocker
45 Picketts Ridge Road, Redding