Letters of Endorsement

To the Editor:

I write to urge all voters to elect Joe Borst, Paul Mangiafico, and Debbie Aurelia this November to our top executive positions. They will provide the responsive, insightful, and competent leadership Newtown needs and deserves. We are very fortunate this election to have these excellent candidates who are committed to open, responsive, and accountable government and who provide us with a real choice for promising change.

The team of Joe Borst for first selectman and Paul Mangiafico for selectman is exactly what Newtown needs as it grows and faces the challenges of the future. Joe Borst exemplifies unselfish commitment to this town and a recognition that we must achieve balance for all citizens. He also recognizes that responsible, efficient spending and accountability for those who allocate our tax dollars is essential to our financial health and success. Joe’s history of service to Newtown encompasses a firm grasp on how town government works and an unwavering commitment to making government work better. Joe will listen, study and choose a course of action designed to achieve what’s best for the town. Joe will lead through understanding, consensus building, and advocacy for what he believes is right for the town.

Paul Mangiafico is also a true leader in this town. During his four years with the Board of Education he has exhibited extraordinary intelligence and common sense, refreshing candor about the difficult realities facing our school district, and insightful ideas about how best to address those challenges. Paul’s business success qualifies him to assist in meeting Newtown’s long-term planning needs as they become more and more complex. Paul will not be a “yes” man; that is for certain. Our town leaders must be willing to hold each other accountable for listening to their constituents during their terms of service. Paul will be such a town leader.

Debbie brings to the office of town clerk in-depth experience and commitment to continue in the tradition of excellence of service in this vital function. She is currently doing an excellent job of managing this complex and crucial function and is determined to bring greater distinction and honor to the office of town clerk.

No leader of a diverse group with diverse interests can ever make a decision or advocate for a position that will please everyone. However, it is the role of a leader in a democratic society to ensure that the people they serve know that their opinions were heard, that their input mattered and that the process by which decisions were made was open and fair. Joe, Paul, and Debbie have guaranteed that this essential element of a successful democracy will be paramount during their tenure.

If we don’t vote for people such as Joe, Paul, and Debbie in this election, we will have failed to do our part to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the challenges we face and to remind our elected leaders to whom they are ultimately accountable.

Respectfully,

Carolyn Signorelli

18 Chimney Swift, Sandy Hook                                   October 1, 2007