Letter Of Endorsement

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the Independent Party of Newtown. I believe the IPN candidates, and the candidates they endorse, will diligently work to establish a long-term vision and strategic plan for the schools, recreation, and municipal services in Newtown. I attended the first IPN “Meet and Greet” in September, where I spoke with many of the candidates. I was very impressed with their knowledge of the issues our town currently faces and their ideas for how we can move forward in the future.

I met Po Murray (Legislative Council District #2) six years ago. We both have four children of similar ages who have attended the same classes and played on the same sports teams. Po is very high-energy and has always been an active member of the PTA at Sandy Hook, Reed, and the middle school. She actively participates in many school projects and functions, and devotes a great deal of time to WeCAN (We Care About Newtown), a public advocacy group formed to encourage better long-term planning for Newtown.

I have known Donna A. Monteleone (write-in Republican-BOE, 2-year term) since our sons were in class together several years ago. Besides being an active member of the Sandy Hook PTA, she participates in many school events and organized a “St Valentines Day letter writing project” where our elementary students sent over 400 letters to our men and women serving overseas. She even solicited 12 letters from my Brownie troop! She has an excellent working relationship with the administrators at the school and shows a genuine concern for the students.

I met Lillian Bittman (Democrat-BOE, four-year term) at a play group five years ago. Since then I have interacted with her at many school functions and Cub Scouting events. Lillian is a very active member of the PTA for several of our schools and participates in many school projects and events. On top of that, she volunteers her time to run the Footprint Post and the Patriot Press for both Sandy Hook and the Reed school. Her leadership, organizational, and decisionmaking skills are key to her meeting all of her deadlines and getting a quality newspaper published for the school. My daughter was fortunate enough to work under Lillian several years ago and her passion for the children was very obvious.

I have met Brendan Duffy (Legislative Council District #3) and find him to be a very sincere candidate. I have known his wife and children for many years. My children have been in the same class and Girl Scout troop with Brendan’s daughters and I have interacted with his wife Kim at many school functions and worked with her on many projects at the school. Brendan has a beautiful family and I feel confident in his desire to improve the town that they live in.

All of these candidates are very dedicated, hardworking, and professional, and they genuinely care about Newtown. I have no doubt that they will make an exceptional addition to our town government. 

Fran Maturo

5 Ironwood Drive, Sandy Hook                               October 24, 2007