Bringing Innovation And Analysis

To Town Finances

To the Editor:

As an IPN candidate, I would like to explain why I am running for the Finance Committee position.

I believe that I can instill analytical and innovative thinking in the discussions so that our meetings will evaluate the merits of programs and the related expenditures.

As a new resident of Newtown, I have come to learn that in this great town that less than half [of those eligible] vote in the elections. I would have thought that in New England, residents are more willing to participate in the electoral process, especially now when many municipalities are faced with trying to meet rising costs with smaller revenue increases.

Since having moved here, I have taken an interest in this local government because it seems that people are not willing to educate themselves about the critical issues in education, in attracting new business, and in providing necessary services to residents.

As a resident of a 55-plus community, I have sought to inform my neighbors and to organize meetings with town officials in order to facilitate discussion on important issues facing our community. As an elected official, I would look to do the same, always considering the interests of the larger community in Newtown.

Our Founding Fathers articulated specific rights and privileges in our Constitution so that it would guarantee basic rights. One of these is the right to vote, implying that we also needed to be informed and educated to ensure that this delicate experiment in democracy would never be tarnished or destroyed by anyone in whom we have given our trust and our vote.

I look forward to meeting residents of Newtown, and I hope we can rekindle a new spirit of democracy.

Sincerely,

Rudy Magnan

60 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook                                 October 12, 2011