To the Editor:

Board of Education members voting Republican or Democratic party line needs to stop! Party doctrine is seldom in the best interests of Newtown’s students or our community.

Bruce Walczak is an Independent Party candidate committed to supporting solutions that serve the best interests of our students.

Bruce’s announcement as an Independent Party candidate for the Board of Ed best describes how he will serve as a member. I agree with his view of the Board of Ed and I am confident voters will also.

The announcement states:

“The board of education needs to focus on our students and taxpayers who make our outstanding educational program possible. Our focus should be on supporting student learning, mental health, and the development of good citizenship. Our teachers and administrative staff depend on our support in accomplishing these goals. The focus should be on improving the progress we have made to date, not divisive national partisan issues. I will work with the Board to bring our community together and strive to strengthen and continually improve our school system.”

As a Newtown resident for 27 years, serving in several government roles and an active member in many social organizations, Bruce understands our community and has demonstrated his ability to build consensus and get things done.

I encourage you to join me in voting for Bruce Walczak, Independent Party candidate for the Newtown Board of Education on November 7.

Steve Bennett

Newtown