To the Editor:

I am proud to support Armel R. Kouassi for the Board of Finance. As a Legislative Council member for five years, I understand the attributes and what it takes to be a good public servant and what the roles of the BOF are.

Armel has a long-range vision for maintaining our town financial viability, dealing with our tax burden while preserving the excellence of our schools. I know Armel will build on previous success, but he will be open to new ideas. His incredible training and history will also make him a candidate that seeks and finds unique solutions while working in a collaborative spirit. From my conversations with Armel I know he is an independent-thinking candidate who will put Newtown's financial health as his main priority and employ sharp analytical skills and common sense in making decisions, all the while avoiding partisan politics. Armel is genuine and honest and has the skill set to conduct rigorous research toward finding and understanding facts. He is a tremendous supporter of education, yet is compassionate and concerned about every taxpayer. He is also an ardent supporter of preserving Newtown's character.

Armel R. Kouassi is a seasoned finance professional, with close to 20 years broad-based banking experience in treasury portfolio management, balance sheet restructuring, entrepreneurial management, budget forecasting, and planning. His experience includes a variety of assignments in several major financial institutions and a Big 4 audit firm. He has worked and lived in numerous locations throughout the United States and Europe. Armel is father of three children benefiting from Newtown public school, and he currently assumes the position as director at State Street Corporation, one of world's largest custody banks.

Armel is a certified financial risk professional and a member of Global Association of Risk Professional based in New York. Armel has received a MBA finance from the arguably the best MBA program in the United States, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and a Master in Finance from the best school in Europe, ESCP Europe, Paris, France.

Armel will be a committed public servant who has taken on a number of leadership roles with nonprofit boards since moving to Newtown five years ago. Armel have been attending Board of Finance meetings for six months to gain firsthand understanding of the issues at stake. I am confident he will bring the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to his service on the Board of Finance. He is resourceful, and analytical in his approach to problem-solving, and is objective even when dealing with highly emotional and partisan topics. Please vote for Armel R. Kouassi for Newtown Board of Finance.

The views expressed in this letter are my own and may not reflect the views of the Legislative Council as a whole.

Neil Chaudhary

1 Southbrook Lane, Newtown         October 25, 2017