A Breath Of Fresh Air

To the Editor:

The winds of change are blowing full force in Newtown. Joe Borst, the Republican candidate for first selectman, is an experienced leader with a long history of public service in Newtown. Joe is well versed in the town charter provisions, construction projects, government procedures, and budget development. Joe will guide the winds of change.

He has developed the art of respecting opinions contrary to his own, listening with sincerity, speaking openly without evasiveness, explaining his position, and cooperating with others to seek timely solutions to knotty problems. He practices inclusiveness and doesn’t ignore or “shut out” those who disagree with him. Joe, along with his running mate Paul Mangiafico, will fill the leadership vacuum in Newtown. But they can’t do it alone.

We citizens will need to elect a new Legislative Council that will support Joe and Paul as they provide the leadership to solve issues like 1) inadequate municipal space 2) an overcrowded high school 3) a cramped police station 4) a single swimming pool for 26,000 residents 5) a space-starved senior center 6) deteriorating school buildings and 7) the snail-paced progress at Fairfield Hills based on a master plan that the people voted against. At their February 7 meeting, the Republican and Democratic Council members failed to listen to 400 citizens request a reevaluation of priorities instead of racing forward with a new town hall. The next week the Legislative Council ignored a petition, signed by over 75 people, requesting the council to reign in the awesome powers of the FFH Authority.

Joe listened! Joe heard our concerns! He stepped forward to lead our town. Joe is the man to clear the air and bring new life and spirit to our town. On November 6, please join me in voting for Joe and Paul.

Ruby K. Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                  September 10, 2007