To the Editor:

Deborra Zukowski is an unaffiliated candidate for the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission. I am writing this letter of endorsement to explain my confidence that her service on this commission will benefit our town.

As a member of the Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee, her analytical mind, engineering and research background were instrumental in gathering and evaluating data in preparation for the critical public participation part of the committee’s assignment. Deb demonstrated how conscientious, dependable, and collaborative she is at the numerous subcommittee and general meetings held for well over a year. She listened intently as we worked through different views and priorities for the campus. She was and is dedicated to hearing all voices in the community and played a key role in the formation and presentation of our final report.

As one of the nine members of the “review committee” I was particularly impressed with the manner in which she listened and gave importance to all our opinions. Her diligent wordsmithing of the final report took into consideration all of our opinions and demonstrates what a team player she is! She has the ability to help Newtown maintain its sense of community through the use of long-term planning, while maintaining our rural heritage.

Especially important to the effectiveness of our committee was her sense of humor and her ability to smile and even laugh. She was able to defuse particularly sensitive topics by concentrating on the real issues, in simple terms, allowing the committee to form consensus on otherwise divisive topics. Being a stalwart member of the committee stimulated us to do the same.

I urge you to join me in electing Deb Zukowski to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Nancy Roznicki

169 Hanover Road, Newtown                                   October 26, 2011