To the Editor:

As we approach our town elections on November 2, we would like to share with the voters our collective commitment to the important responsibilities we would carry out as elected members of the Board of Finance.

The Board of Finance serves as an independent reviewer and recommender of the overall $120 million-plus annual town budget and provides a public forum for further input on that investment. Furthermore, BOF is the only body that exclusively focuses on the town’s finances and value to taxpayers. If elected, we promise to be faithful stewards of the town’s spending while upholding the role of the board.

We will thoughtfully and critically evaluate the multi-year Capital Improvement Plan, which consists of larger and longer term town projects, before final approval. Through the lens of ten-year business forecasting models, we will continue to support economic development, from evaluating the best use of federal funds to application of local business incentives. Finally, we will continue our commitment to supporting our schools and educators in order to maintain the desirability of our town.

As the four candidates on this year’s Democratic slate of Board of Finance, we bring a unique combination of municipal experience, business knowledge, and community reach that will best serve the needs of our town. We will work together to support our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner, balancing important investment priorities with the goal of stabilizing our tax rates.

With your support and your vote on November 2, we will roll up our sleeves and get to work for Newtown.

Erica Sullivan, John Fletcher, Ned Simpson (incumbent) & Laura Miller

Newtown