To the Editor:

I write in support of Jim Gaston for Board of Selectman. Running for second/third selectman, he is clearly the most qualified, experienced, and capable candidate who has repeatedly demonstrated his effectiveness in working with others to move Newtown forward. He and Pat Llodra (first selectman) have effectively worked together to protect Newtown, our resources, and citizens. Jim Gaston served the town and education side of Newtown well for ten years on the Board of Finance. As warden of the borough, its chief executive officer, the tax mill rate is at record low, and he has worked well with Pat Llodra, the town chief executive officer.

With the additional $4 million bus costs now anticipated due to the IPN Board of Education owner-operator debacle, we don’t need any more leadership like that. Mr Gaston and Mrs Llodra are the best choice to attempt to work out this very expensive blunder. Mr Gaston and Mrs Llodra also served well together on the successful Legislative Council’s Ad Hoc Facilities Committee (the creation of the ad hoc committee was the idea of Legislative Council member and candidate Dan Amaral). Jim Gaston and Pat Llodra also worked effectively together fighting to preserve the Pootatuck from United Water’s exploitation.

Mr Gaston respects those hallmark entities that make Newtown special. He was successful in creating the Borough of Newtown Historic District in 1996. (It had failed by narrow votes for more than 15 years — Mr Gaston unlocked the key to a successful vote: supporters would only be included. Subsequently, by popular demand, numerous other properties were included in 2006, after owners observed the fairness and benefits.) This tool has been extremely effective in historic preservation.

Jim Gaston was also key, along with Joan Crick and Jim Smith, in creating the Health District, working out complexities and writing the municipality operating regulations. When the WPCA intended to open trench sewer lines down the Main Street historic sugar maple tree line, Jim Gaston had protective legislation written, then worked cooperatively such that the lines were bored under the tree line roots, saving the trees, and at no more cost than the original proposal.

Over and over again, Jim Gaston has listened to the voters, worked with persons of all parties, and solved problems fairly and effectively with reason and respect. We look forward to a return to reason.

Thanks.

Jay Gill

8 Spruce Drive, Sandy Hook                                       October 25, 2011