Letter: Rich Townsend the Right Choice for Town Council

Dear Editor,

I am writing to support Rich Townsend’s candidacy for Town Council. After living and raising his family in New Canaan for almost 30 (interrupted by a two-year job assignment in Paris), Rich has seen the town grow and evolve, yet the underlying strengths have not wavered: excellent schools, solid fiscal management and a large number of caring, talented citizens actively involved in the work of local government and community organizations.

I have known Rich for 25 of those years as a dedicated husband, father, NYC-commuting corporate executive, community volunteer, local businessman, and fellow choir member (Yes, he can even sing!). Whether organizing a community pancake breakfast, feeding the masses at a church barbeque, organizing work crews and wielding a hammer for Habitat for Humanity, or counseling young people starting out in their careers, he brings intention and enthusiasm to every encounter, listens carefully, and responds respectfully.

New Canaan is fortunate that Rich has decided to put his hat in the ring to bring his energy and discernment to our Town Council. He is committed to building on our community’s best strengths while always looking for ideas to improve the status quo in meaningful ways. Rich’s deep-rooted commitment to our Town, his clear-eyed business acumen, and his respect for the dignity of every person who lives here will combine to make New Canaan an even more desirable place to live, thrive and work for all of us.

Peggy Dannemann