To the Editor:

I have had the honor and privilege of serving with Paul Mangiafico over the past four years on the Board of Education. There are few volunteer positions in local government that demand as much time, ingenuity, and perseverance. I can attest, firsthand, that Paul has demonstrated success in his tenure as a member of the Board of Education. Paul has now agreed to offer those same qualities to the post of selectman for the Town of Newtown. It would be a grave error for Newtown not to give him that opportunity.

As many citizens of Newtown are aware, the Board of Education is faced with many controversial and fiscally sensitive issues that affect taxpayers and children alike. It takes a rare individual to separately evaluate the needs of each group and provide a solution, which results in the successful growth of Newtown and its community. Paul has been instrumental in bringing about tougher policies that directly address the way Newtown handles drug and alcohol possession and abuse in our schools. Each year the school budget undergoes extensive scrutiny at the hands of the Board of Education. Paul has been at the forefront in proposing innovative ideas that hold the line on spending while supporting those initiatives that benefit the quality of education in the Town of Newtown.

Paul Mangiafico is a dedicated public servant who is committed to the success of Newtown. The fact that he has demonstrated the skills necessary to actually achieve that success for Newtown makes my decision to endorse Paul Mangiafico for selectman an easy one.

Andrew J. Buzzi, Jr

38 Obtuse Road, Newtown                                     October 16, 2007