“Anytime you step up to do the right thing, don’t be surprised if someone finds fault, questions your motives, and says things that are not true. If you were sitting around being mediocre, no one would care. The fact that people are trying to discredit you, trying to make you look bad, that’s a sign that you’re doing something right, you’re making a difference, you’re leaving your mark. You keep doing the right thing, and God will take care of those people” – Joel Osteen
There is little doubt that our entire country is embroiled in an election period at all levels of government that can bring out the best and sadly….the worst among candidates vying for political office. In my years, I have witnessed such activities that make me question the goals and objectives of those who claim a desire to represent the common good amongst the citizenry. As someone who grew up in Brooklyn, NY and was one of 7 children of working parents, I have long dealt with the rancor of pundits making all sorts of claims in the public arena promising the world and chiding their competitor’s traits and background.
Frankly, we should be better than this. It seems that we are not. I have witnessed of late in our local elections for State Senator…a litany of crude and demeaning attacks that are baseless levied against a stalwart in our community; Tony Hwang. My purpose in writing this note is not to wage a counter attack against these baseless accusations from the misguided. There has been too much of that in my opinion on a national platform. Rather my purpose here is to share what I know about Tony and why he deserves to continue as our State Senator.
I have known Tony Hwang and his family for many years. I have a keen sense for those who “talk a good game” during the election season and those who actually deliver; conduct themselves in a manner that is fitting to the citizenry that they represent. Tony is a rare breed in that regard. He has always walked the walk in terms of his passion, work ethic and commitment to serving the needs of his constituency. Always. Tony is the most visible elected official that I know. Most just seem to show up during the season to solicit a vote and then disappear after all votes are counted.
For Tony…election is a beginning not an end, He is constantly working, meeting with folks, listening to their needs and putting in the “elbow grease” required to get the job done ….whether large or small. Those who would attack him without any base…show their character and demeanor as severely lacking. They show themselves as politicians in the worst sense… Tony carries himself as a leader at all times. He has little time for such poor judgment.
I have seen him in action many times away from the media and cameras…He is not “in it” for the photo ops. He has always been involved in his community because of his unwavering commitment to doing what is right regardless of political affiliation.
In this election season, I urge all of us to continue to support this leader in our community that has done nothing ever to cause us to doubt his commitment and work ethic in serving our needs.
Al DiGuido
Saugatuck Sweets
Fairfield, CT 06824
