To the Editor:

Thank you fellow Newtowners for your longtime support - 4 years as Selectman, and 10 years as vice-chairperson of the Board of Finance. It is an honor and privilege to represent our community.

People have asked why I would step down from the uncontested selectman position to return to the Board of Finance. The simple answer is … I believe it’s best for Newtown. The people, not the Government of Newtown come first.  Fortunately, my friend, Herb Rosenthal agreed to run for Board of Selectman in my stead. We are in good hands. 

Why do I believe it best for our town? Simply because in my 25 years of living on Main Street with my wife and four children, this is the most important election, and I don’t say that lightly.  This election will define our town for the next decade, or more. The question is: will we choose to live in Newtown as we know it, or will we live in an Anytown USA?

I suggest we need to stop the backroom and predetermined outcome decisions being made before the facts and evidence are in. Facts come first!! Predetermined outcome/agenda politics leads to mistakes where the public pushes back and resultantly mistrusts government.  Predetermined outcome/agendas are not good government. Classic examples of recent predetermined outcome/agendas include the Hawley School(s) closings, and the original GE Community Center drive.  The more complete economic-public finance analysis regarding Hawley School suggested an average of 10 percent loss in property values for residential property owners in the Hawley District, an increase in taxes for those outside the district to make up that grand list reduction, and no fixed cost savings as there was no town space needs study (reuse) of schools as promised. 

The first Community Center plan was another example of the public pushing back from the perceived predetermined outcome. The second committee (the one appointed by the Board of Selectmen) has wisely decided to survey the public first! Well done. Facts first!

As a member of the Board of Finance, I would again insist that first, all the facts and all the evidence be secured and evaluated – whether dealing with the town and school budgets, the Capital Improvement Plan, or public finance/economic projects. Facts first! Recent complaints have included that too few people are making too many decisions. Agreed, and more transparency is necessary! Smart fact-based decisions will grow our grand list, promote education, promote economic development, control taxes, and preserve the historical gems that attracted many of us to Newtown in the first place. It takes courage to make decisions. It takes more courage to stand up and say we don’t have the facts and evidence yet to make the decision.

Please vote on November 3rd. Your vote is important!

Thank you, again!

Fairfield Prep – 1976.

Lehigh University 1980 - Bachelor of Science – Finance and Economics (double major with emphasis in public finance.)

Duquesne University School of Law, 1983 – J.D.

Please visit www.newtownctdemocrats.org.

Jim Gaston, Sr.

18 Main Street, Newtown                 September 23, 2015