How I See It

To The Editor:

I am a four-year incumbent on the Board of Finance seeking reelection in November 2011.

I am, and I believe many of my constituents are, both disappointed by, and disenchanted with, the dysfunctional and divisive conduct of the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. In a time of devastating financial distress our nationally elected officials appear more concerned with “party politics” than the condition of the “commonweal” and as such appear incapable of positive curative action.

We cannot afford to have that to happen here.

As a town, we should not permit excessive resort to “party affiliation” to color our collective judgment in the election process. In my view, all government and all politics are local and should reflect the views, wants, and desires of the community. Further, the community should exercise its collective voting rights to elect serious, well-qualified individuals with proven records of accomplishments both inside and outside of government.

This selection process should, in my opinion override party affiliation.

Where We Are Today: During the past four years I have had the pleasure, as a member of the Board of Finance, to work with fellow Democrats James Gaston and Mike Portnoy and Republicans John Kortze, Joe Kearney, and Harry Waterbury. We have worked in a truly nonpartisan environment to serve the town by proactive participation in the budget and subsequent spending processes. Our collective goal has been to minimize real property tax increases while effectively allocating town resources fairly among the voters preferences in a cost efficient basis. Our “drill downs” have saved the town millions of dollars in the high school and middle school projects, increased our bond rating, and reduced the town’s bonding interest costs. While we not always agreed, we have always found a consensus beneficial to the town.

A Reasonable Rational Proposal —, If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix It: In addition to requesting your support and vote for my candidacy I wholeheartedly endorse the candidacies of Messrs. Portnoy, Kortze, Kearney and Waterbury for Board of Finance and James Gaston for selectman. Jim who has worked on the Board of Finance for the past ten years has, during the last two years, established an excellent collegial working relationship with First Selectman Pat Llodra. The election of both Jim and Pat would insure the continuation of this relationship and further enhance the relationship between the Board of Finance and the Selectman.

In closing, I would like to thank the voters of Newtown for affording me the opportunity to serve during the last four years and look forward to continuing participation in the governance of Newtown.

Comments are welcome at mjglaw@aol.com.

Sincerely,

Martin J. Gersten

Incumbent Member

Board of Finance

& Candidate for Reelection

90 Birch Hill Road, Newtown                                    October 17, 2011