To the Editor:

Thank you for allowing me to express my support for Jim Gaston for Board of Finance.

Jim Gaston has served our town extremely well over the past years. For four years he worked diligently and amiably with his fellow selectmen on the Board of Selectmen. During his years we saw two major storms and a tragedy that has no words. This board has worked admirably and with distinction. I am sad to see Mr Gaston leave the Board of Selectmen but thrilled that Herb Rosenthal has agreed to take his place.

It would be easy for Mr Gaston to return to the Board of Selectmen, but there are significant challenges ahead that he recognizes. Once again Jim Gaston has put Newtown ahead of himself. By agreeing to return to the Board of Finance, a board that he previously vice chaired for ten years, Newtown voters can rest assured that our tax dollars will be wisely handled. Reviewing his record as warden of the Borough, we consistently see a zero percentage borough tax increase. Jim Gaston is a strong supporter of public education and growth of the grand list, particularly smart commercial development. Growth of the grand list reduces residential taxes.

Jim Gaston believes facts come first. As we move forward with schools, education, capital improvements, and the budget, he will make sure we have the facts first and full transparency.

Jim Gaston gets my vote for Board of Finance.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lynne Farah

2 Ashford Lane, Newtown                                             October 5, 2015