To the Editor:

I write in support of Jim Gaston for Board of Selectman. I am a longtime resident of Newtown. I have lived here in Newtown since 1992. As clerk of the borough, I have had the unique opportunity to work with Jim Gaston on important municipal matters. As warden of the borough, the chief executive officer, he conducts the meetings and business with respect and dignity. His belief is that most issues can be resolved by listening to one another and by working together. It doesn’t matter to Jim who gets the credit, or what party one is, though often it is he who has the solution to the problem.

 Jim Gaston solves problems. He exercised the same respect and dignity as vice chair of the town’s Board of Finance for the past ten years. And, the borough mill rate has been at record lows throughout his stewardship as warden, too. For ten years Jim worked to balance fiscal responsibility with educational needs. When he says we need to “Return to Reason,” I understand. Over the past five years we have seen one group ridicule anyone who disagrees with them. If a town solution is possible, they oppose it because it doesn’t promote their own interest or agenda. Reason means working together and solving problems. Returning to reason means no longer dividing the town but instead, returning to “Nicer in Newtown.”

Please visit www.newtownctdemocrats.org and read Jim Gaston’s impressive resume, and goals as a member of the Board of Selectman.

Also, I should disclose that I am a Republican, and strongly support Pat Llodra for First Selectman. She is a unifier, too.

Thank you,

Ann Benore

9 Meadow Road, Newtown                                        October 17, 2011