To The Editor:

Almost everyone in this town is concerned about the state budget and its potentially negative impact on Newtown.

Newtown has a self-imposed debt policy which caps what we can borrow. We earned a AAA bond rating, which positively impacts our low borrowing rate, saving the town many thousands of dollars in interest charges. We carefully manage our cash. Meanwhile, our state's leading Democrat, Governor Malloy, signs budgets which skyrocket each year, income taxes have more than doubled, and major corporations are steadily moving out. Now he's seeking to punish the localities which have run tight financial ships, as opposed to his sinking one.

Our town's biggest challenge is to offset the near-certain loss of a significant amount of state aid. In this critical financial time, we need town leaders who address the real problems. We need extensive experience, not on-the-job training.

Both Will and Jeff are past chairmen of the Legislative Council. Will's a sitting selectman with eight years' experience besides. Together they have the training and experience to lead us through this difficult time.

Democrat Malloy has been a tax and spend leader. Do we want Democrats governing our town?

Please elect Will Rodgers for first selectman and Jeff Capeci for selectman.

Sincerely,

Barbara O'Connor

36 Little Brook Lane, Newtown         October 11, 2017