To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Lillian Bittman for Newtown Board of Education because she is one of the best friends the students of Newtown will ever have. Two of my children have had the good fortune of being student staff on the Sandy Hook and Reed Intermediate School papers under Lillian’s volunteer direction for several years. During this time our family learned just what a class act Lillian Bittman is. She is tirelessly dedicated to the children of the Newtown Public Schools. She is a professional in every sense of the word. The children who have studied with her have learned a lot about what it means to be a professional in the business world, and at a very young age.

Lillian is a strong communicator and with her background in journalism, she can’t help but examine issues from all sides before trying to find a solution. It is in her nature to go beyond the emotions of a situation and dig for the facts. Having already served on the BOE since June, she has demonstrated that she is capable of working with whomever necessary to get the job done. She will go the extra mile to accomplish whatever needs done on behalf of our children.

Lillian is also one of the more enthusiastic people I’ve met. Watching Lillian in the audience at the Newtown Night of Jazz concerts every year sitting up front cheering on each and every student as they solo, I’ve noticed how much she wants to boost the morale of all our Newtown students.

Lillian and I both have children around the same ages in three different Newtown schools. I have seen her over the years as a very active citizen in support of our children. For example, she is a Cub Scout Den Leader to a group of 14 boys. Sometimes I wonder how she does it all, but that is where her management skills come in quite nicely. I’ve also noticed that those who really feel passionate about something will find a way to get it done. Lillian has that passion when it comes to advocating for the needs of our local school children.

What Newtown needs is a woman like Lillian Bittman who is incredibly organized, enthusiastic, and bright, and can bring common sense to the negotiating table when it comes to planning for the future of kids.

Please vote on November 6 for Lillian Bittman, Democratic candidate for Board of Education. You’ll be glad you did!

Jackie Jensen

5 Miya Lane, Sandy Hook                                           October 22, 2007