To the Editor:

Mary Ann Jacob is a special human being who cares about making life better. She gets involved in local government because she’s looking to make our schools and our community something about which we can be proud.

When you discuss issues with Mary Ann, you realize that she is undeniably intelligent. She also listens before responding. Nobody agrees on every issue; however, I am extremely impressed that in this day of sound bites and nearly crippled political discourse that Mary Ann will thoughtfully listen to all sides in a debate and not just react with a stock reply.

Mary Ann has been known to make tough decisions and occasionally even take an unpopular stand when her analysis of an issue concludes it’s the right way forward for Newtown, even though there may be a more politically expedient avenue to take.

Over the past 15 years, Mary Ann Jacob has volunteered countless hours in our community — on the Legislative Council, as a PTA president, as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for our schools, with her church and with her political party of choice, the Republican Party. She is also very involved with her children’s and her husband’s numerous activities and hobbies.

I am not a registered Republican; however, to me, political tags make little difference when choosing our elected officials. It’s the character of the person and their understanding of and commitment to addressing the local issues that count. For those reasons, I am very happy to endorse someone like Mary Ann Jacob who has the best interests of Newtown at the very center of her core.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Cech

40 Echo Valley Road, Newtown                               October 10, 2011