To the Editor:

Perhaps no better example of good government in action involves the Pootatuck/Greenridge United Water matter. Recently, the Department of Public Utilities Commission (DPUC) came out with a draft decision to accept the Aquarian Water proposal to supply the Greenridge area of Brookfield from its Brookfield water supply. The Aquarian proposal would complete the project faster and at less cost than United Water, which would have drawn water from the Pootatuck/aquifer, piped it through the heart of Newtown to Brookfield.

Serious questions arose as to not only the additional costs that Newtown United Water ratepayers would incur, but also the environmental impact upon the sensitive Pootatuck, the huge electrical box proposed to be erected in front of the police station, and the proposed zebra-type striping of Main Street from the pipeline partial repair paving.

Despite being notified only days before the work was to begin, town and borough government immediately united to face the issue. Our state representative, Chris Lyddy (Democrat) and state senator, John McKinney (Republican), were essential to the process, as well. Reason was at work. Pat Llodra and I (warden of the borough), through legal counsel that included Don Mitchell for the borough, secured party status for the town, and intervener status for the borough government. The DPUC order was stayed and we attended countless hearing, meetings, and strategy sessions. We took our time. We listened to our professionals such as our Land Use and Health Departments. Borough Historic District and zoning went into action. We would not let the Public Utility company push us.

We secured several important concessions, including, should the United Water project be approved, an important Pootatuck study to track the impact of the project on the water flow and levels of the Pootatuck. Still, the borough would not give in requiring full compliance with its zoning. To date, United Water has not satisfied zoning and the earliest they could would be February 2012. Don Mitchell (Second District candidate for Legislative Council) was invaluable representing the borough. Our First Selectman Pat Llodra deserves significant credit for the success. We had a great deal to learn in a very short time. She did her homework, was firm, professional, and respectful. She didn’t have all the ideas, neither did I, no one did. But reason prevailed; we took the best ideas, best information, strategized and worked together, town and borough, Republican and Democrat.

It was a pleasure working with Pat Llodra. She is intelligent, thoughtful, inquisitive, and works by reason. I would hope that Newtown voters consider this successful example of good government hard at work when deciding for whom to vote for in November. I hope you will consider my candidacy for Board of Selectmen, Pat Llodra for First Selectman, and Don Mitchell for Legislative Council, Second District.

Thank you for allowing me share this with you.

Sincerely,

Jim Gaston, Sr

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

18 Main Street, Newtown                                           October 19, 2011