In Service To All Newtowners

To the Editor:

This year’s local elections are now behind us. Those who were elected have been sworn in and political activity begins to settle into a quiet period. I would like to take a moment now to express my thanks to all the voters of Newtown for their interest and expression of desire in picking those who will represent them — and I truly do mean all the voters.

As a newly seated member of the Board of Selectmen, I will do my utmost to represent all residents as best as I can without consideration of party or position. Over 6,000 voters turned out to vote. I hope that we can, collectively, find a way to increase the voter turnout significantly higher than the 40 percent who did turn out.

Clearly the birth of a third political party in Newtown has changed significantly the political landscape in Newtown. This year we saw more choices for many seats and in my opinion the people were clearly able to evaluate choice of candidates much more so than in the past.

We now have a newly installed first selectman and other officials across a wide segment of town government. Our efforts must be to collectively bring to bear the best debate, dialogue, and decision making to our affairs regardless of party affiliation or lack of affiliation. Differences will certainly arise but they should not undermine the collective desire to arrive at the most legitimate and sustainable long-term directions which will guide us to better tomorrow. It is to this end that I, personally, will strive toward on behalf of all our residents.

I also would like to offer my thanks for their service to those who chose not to run again, those who did and did not prevail, and those hundreds of people behind the scenes and at the polling locations who serve without much, if any, recognition.

Paul J. Mangiafico

15 Kent Road, Newtown                                            December 4, 2007