Letters Of Endorsement

To the Editor:

Sunday, October 9, was a postcard perfect day for a parade. As usual, I marched with the Newtown Democrats to support our fine candidates for townwide offices. Along with the calls for candy from children, I also heard several boos directed at the Board of Education candidates.

When Eric Paradis, one of the Democratic Board of Education nominees, asked a heckler why, he was told, “I don’t like what the Board of Ed is doing to the children of Newtown.”

Eric replied, “Then vote for the Democrats. None of us are on the board now.”

Indeed, each of the Democratic candidates for the Board of Ed will insist on clear communication between district administrators and the public, and an open discussion of the most difficult issues before it.

Eric Paradis is currently the coordinator of special education services in Stratford. He has served Newtown as a member of the Strategic Planning Subcommittee on Student Personal Success Plans, and on the Charter Revision Commission.

John Vouros, a much-loved Newtown teacher of 35 years, currently owns and operates the Dana-Holcombe House on Main Street.

Dan Shea taught English at Masuk High School for 35 years, and now edits the work of postdoctoral candidates at Yale University.

All three of these men have a clear vision of what excellence in education looks like, a strong sense of what’s best for each student, a willingness to engage in open dialogue about difficult issues, and a readiness to work across party lines to solve the pressing problems that face Newtown schools.

For those in Newtown who are concerned about the direction of Newtown education, I urge you to consider voting for these fine men. You can learn more about them and the Newtown Democrats Vote Reason platform by visiting the Newtown Democrats website at www.NewtownCtDemocrats.org.

Jan Lee Brookes

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                        October 11, 2011