To the Editor:

Why I Would Like to Earn Your Support to be Elected/Re-Elected to the Board of Finance:

My wife, Stephanie, and I raised our four children, Tara, Jimmy, Kelley and Owen on Main Street in Newtown since 1991. Our children flourished in public and private education, were high school and college athletes, and loved the arts.

I have a double major in finance and economics (emphasis in public finance), minor in government from Lehigh University ‘80; and a law degree from Duquesne University School of Law ‘83. I am a civil trial lawyer.

I have made the business payroll for my law firm for more than 32 years. For 14 years I served as chair or vice-chair of the Newtown Board of Finance being appointed to the original Board of Finance by a committee that included Herb Rosenthal and Will Rodgers. For four years I served on the Board of Selectmen with Pat Llodra and Will Rodgers (12/2013-2017). For more than 30 years I have served as warden or a burgess, on the Borough Board of Burgesses. I have also served on numerous boards and commissions in the legal community (CT Bar Association and CT Trial Lawyers Association).

I have extensive experience as to how governmental and professional commissions work. I also have experience teaching, preserving heritage and making change happen. In my view, boards and commissions have different functions. Newtown voters spoke loudly at the last election with more than two-thirds voting to maintain the Board of Finance; we recognized its vital importance to financially scrutinize Newtown’s financial issues, including the annual budget and capital improvement plans. Simply said, the Newtown Board of Finance plans, scrutinizes and advises based on financial analysis. Other Town councils and boards may blend decisions with political platforms or objectives. I agree with the vast majority of Newtown taxpayers that the Board of Finance should focus on fiscally how to best spend taxpayer money in a financially responsible way.

Four years ago, I decided to take a pause from serving as an elected official for the town to address other pursuits. Recently, Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Unaffiliates have all requested that I return to the Board of Finance. I agree, there is a need for historical knowledge, continuity, and leadership in carrying out the will of the voters, so I have agreed to run again. I have hands-on experience as to the actual long -term work successes of the Board of Finance.

Please also review my resume on the Democratic Town Committee website newtownctdemocrats.org and my Facebook page, James Gaston for Board of Finance.

I pledge that by electing/re-electing me to the Board of Finance, you will find that I will continue to support our Schools, Streets, Security (Financial and Safety) and Smart Development. It’s about local and smart management of your taxpayer money.

VOTE NOVEMBER 7, 2023!

Thank you!

Jim Gaston

Newtown