To the Editor:

Despite appearances, the 2005 local election is anything but ho-hum. As one of the fastest-growing towns in Connecticut, Newtown is facing enormous challenges — whether that involves managing growth, controlling spending, improving education, or implementing the Fairfield Hills Master Plan.

The people we elect on November 8, particularly to the Legislative Council, will be making decisions that will affect the shape of this town for years to come. Our slate includes Republicans who have already earned your trust and respect for their service, as well as new faces with fresh ideas and fresh approaches. We urge your support for the entire Republican team.

Selectman Bill Brimmer has held the line on unnecessary budget increases and looked for innovative ways to relieve the tax burden on residential homeowners, particularly senior citizens. Town Clerk Cindy Simon has been a welcoming and knowledgeable presence in Edmond Town Hall for 18 years.

Council members Joe DiCandido, Michael Iassogna, Richard Recht, Joe Borst, David Brown, and Will Rodgers, who is the current chairman, are seeking reelection. Many of our Republican Council members are committed to getting involved earlier in the budget process and seeking more value for our tax dollar.

Our slate also features Republican candidates who are seeking their first seats on the council. These include Barbara Bloom, Stacie Doyle, and Pat Llodra in the Second District and Jeff Capeci in the Third.

As a lifelong Newtown resident, working mother, and dedicated volunteer, Barbara Bloom has a broad perspective on how to balance the town’s needs and wants with its ability to pay.

Stacie Doyle, recently moved to Newtown with her family, wants to leverage her business and financial skills to drive education and key town projects in a fiscally responsible way to preserve Newtown’s character and appeal.

Pat Llodra wants to contribute her extensive skills as an educator and administrator to the council as it works through the complex issues facing the town.

Jeff Capeci, an eight-year resident with two young children, is an engineer with a unique grasp of the local issues and ideas on how to make government operate more efficiently.

We believe that our Republican slate has not only impressive qualifications, but also the will to make the fiscally responsible choices that will benefit the town for the long term. But we invite you to visit our website www.newtownrepublicans.org to let the candidates speak for themselves.

It is crucial that you vote on November 8 — but it is even more important that you be an informed voter.

Sincerely,

Carol Recht

Chairman, Newtown Republican Town Committee

11 Tunnel Road, Newtown                                         October 20, 2005