To the Editor:

As a longtime Newtown resident and attorney in Newtown, Don Mitchell has had a subtle, but undeniable (and at times unheralded) effect on our lives in Newtown. As the borough’s attorney over the past 18 years, he developed a number of quality of life regulations along with an economic land use plan that encourages responsible and stable uses for our most visible commercial properties. Don’s vision of the Borough of Newtown was an instrumental force in developing the Village District Concept. With the advent of a sewer system throughout the borough, the resulting economical growth and development of existing real estate needed a clear vision in moving forward. Don’s foresight and professional guidance to the Borough Zoning Commission resulted in the Village District Design Regulation which combines architectural standards, pedestrian and vehicular traffic elements, long-term infrastructure improvements and safety aspects, and at the same time reduces visual clutter. But it was not expected or intended to produce those benefits over a year or two or three. Its benefits would be realized only over a number of years as properties were developed and reconstructed.

The Village District Design Regulation was first adopted some eight years ago and has, with Don’s professional guidance and counsel, been consistently applied. It has resulted not only in progress on the street, but has engendered substantial interest from potential investors and developers who appreciate the forward vision and purposes the plan exudes. The borough’s consistency of purpose and vision of future development has given them the confidence to invest in our community. It has created jobs, it has added value to living in Newtown, and it will continue to do so for many years to come. If you like what you see in the Village District of the Borough of Newtown, you will like what Don will do for Newtown given the opportunity to serve on the Legislative Council.

Don has also represented the interests of the borough’s citizens in a number of immensely important matters, like the fight to keep others from diverting Newtown’s drinking water elsewhere and to keep its citizens from having to pay for infrastructure designed for that diversion. His efforts, along with those of First Selectman Pat Llodra and the town’s attorney and land use officials appear to have paid off in the form of a just-released draft decision of the Department of Public Utility control selecting a different plan for Greenridge, one that does not divert Newtown’s drinking water and does not add infrastructure costs to Newtown’s already overburdened ratepayer expenses. Our town would also benefit from that kind of forward vision and guidance.

Don Mitchell is running for the Legislative Council this November. He has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the past and future development of the Borough of Newtown. A vote for Don is not only a vote for the best qualified candidate, but is a vote for a candidate who is personally and genuinely interested in the future of our community and the best interests of Newtown.

Doug Nelson

Vice Chairman

Borough Zoning Commission

14 The Boulevard, Newtown                                      October 19, 2011