A candidate's letter to the editor

October 30, 2008

Dear Editor:

I want to thank everyone who supported my run for state representative. I had a great time meeting people. I especially enjoyed going door-to-door. I met many intelligent and informed residents who I would encourage to serve on city committees or work on the city Plan of Development. I hope more people participate to make our city even nicer.

Thank you to the 191 Middletown contributors and 47 other who enabled me to qualify for the Citizens’ election funding program. Lots of people contributed money who’ve never made a
contribution to anything political before, including relatives.

Thank you to everyone who fed and watered me these past few weeks, to those who made phone calls, created the Website, agreed to be photographed, and gave me the memorable campaign
headquarters. Lots of kids got involved which I believe bodes well for the future.

Thank you to my treasurer, Beth Emery who filed the mountain of hideous paperwork. She is the most dedicated, patient person alive. She alone made it possible for me to run.

Thank you to my mom, Adele, who walked with me for miles, addressed envelopes, and bothered all her friends for contributions. I realized along the way it was she who should have been the candidate years ago. I am a lucky daughter.

Last, a special thanks to my unwavering aide, Bethany Burns, who will be looking for new job after Tuesday. I recommend her highly. She is brilliant and will make your life easier if
you hire her.

Appreciatively,

Catherine Johnson
Candidate for State Representative (District 33), Middletown

Meet 'n Greet

Catherine Johnson, who is running against Joe Serra for State Represent-ative in Middle-town (District 33), held a "meet 'n greet" in front of her "world headquarters" across the street from Russell Library on Saturday. Lots of curious folks showed up, the most charming of whom are pictured here.

Topics ranged from Alexis de Tocqueville, to the steady climb in taxes, to the economy, to transit options (or the lack thereof) in Connecticut, to local businesses in the downtown. And the cookies (from Fusion) were delectable.

Candidate Johnson reports that she will be holding another such event this coming Saturday, 1 November, in the same location, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone who wishes to learn more about her positions on the range of issues and challenges facing Middletown and the state of Connecticut should attend.

If you click on the second picture, you can just make out the map in the background showing the 1920 streetcar routes in Connecticut.

Meet and Greet: Catherine Johnson

Catherine Johnson is running as a candidate for State Rep, District 33 (which includes downtown Middletown) against long-term incumbent Joe Serra.

Johnson, running as a Republican, will be hosting a meet and greet with potential voters, Thursday September 18, from 6:30-8 pm, at First Church of Christ Congregational on Court Street, just around the corner from Main.

Johnson, an architect, urban planner and town activist, is currently on Middletown's Planning and Zoning Commission.

On Thursday she will give a brief (15 minute) talk about how transit can build new local
economies, how we can preserve more farmland for local food and production,
and how we can keep more of our own money in the process.