To the Editor:

As treasurer for the Borough of Newtown, I have had the pleasure of working with Jim Gaston for nearly three years.  Jim serves as Warden for the Borough.

The word that comes to mind when describing Jim is “dedicated.”  He is fully committed to our town;  a responsible, reliable leader in every way.  He has my vote in November as the most qualified candi-date for the Board of Finance.

Sincerely,

Paula Brinkman

4 Grand Place, Newtown         October 7, 2015

To the Editor:

For the past five years, I have had the distinct honor of serving Newtown on the Legislative Council. As I leave the Legislative Council, District 1 voters will elect someone as my replacement. Consider George Guidera to be that person. George is a proven leader and a good listener. He’s been in public service for over 30 years. He has served in both the State House and State Senate as well as being the Legislative Commissioner of the State of Connecticut. His service as Weston’s First Selectman spanned 12 years. He is interested in good schools, good roads, a continued healthy credit rating for Newtown, affordable taxes and tax breaks for the elderly. Now living in Newtown, George is a current member of the Charter Revision Commission.

 This overall record demonstrates his dedication and commitment to those he serves; you the tax-payer.

George has unique skills to be successful as a council member and has my undivided support. Please join me in voting for and electing George Guidera to the Legislative Council from District 1. Along with George, I solicit your vote to re-elect my Legislative Council District 1 colleagues George Ferguson and Joe Girgasky who continue to serve Newtown at the highest level.

You will not be disappointed.

                                                                Sincerely,

Bob Merola

22 Ashford Lane, Newtown         October 14, 2015

To the Editor:

As a lifelong resident, parent, and educator in Newtown, I appreciate community members who take a positive, active role in bettering our town.  Neil Chaudhary has demonstrated these qualities in many different roles in the past few years I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with him.

I have known Neil as a parent of similar aged children, and respect his active involvement with his children.  He frequently participates as a joint team with his wife, Jen, in many class and school-wide events at our school. He has specifically volunteered time at our school Diversity Day, during Kinder-garten registration, and teaching the Junior Achievement program, as well as numerous other activi-ties.

In our community, he serves in a multitude of ways: as vice chairman on Legislative Council, chair-man of the council’s Education Committee, as Legislative Liaison to the Public Safety Commission, and as a Member of the Newtown Community Emergency Response Team to name a few.

Dr. Chaudhary is experienced as a leader and team player in our town.  He supports education, and with his first-hand experience as a volunteer, understands the importance of supporting the many wonderful programs Newtown has to offer our children.  These are all important to me as a parent, resident and teacher in Newtown.  I trust Neil to make the right decisions for our town.  I invite you to join me in voting for Neil Chaudhary for Legislative Council in District 3.

Caren Mottola

Appleblossom Lane, Newtown         October 14, 2015

To the Editor:

On November 3, we have the opportunity to vote for great people who have come forward to serve our community.  My husband, Dan Wiedemann is one of those people.  He is running for the Legislative Council in District 2.

Dan brings three decades of a financial background and experience. I want someone who is fiscally re-sponsible, looking out not only for the town’s funds, but the BOE funds that will keep Newtown as one of the areas folks want to move to because of our great school system.

We had three children go through the school system.  He is aware of what it takes to make for a successful education.  His main goals are to keep taxes in check so we do not lose our seniors and also to make the community a place where our children want to and can afford to return with their families.

Four years ago he was a member of the Legislative Council.  He ran again two years ago and lost by 8 votes – let’s vote to bring him back!

Anna Wiedemann

13 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook     October 17, 2015

To the Editor:

We are writing to endorse Mark Boland for the Board of Finance. Our family has known Mark, his wife Carol, and their sons for many years.

Mark Boland is first and foremost a leader of this wonderful and talented Newtown family. In addi-tion, we know Mark as a man of integrity and leadership in the finance and insurance industries. He has extensive knowledge of financial systems, and is a dynamic leader with decades of  experience in leading people to succeed. Mark knows how to build consensus among layers of leadership, and is a man with high ethical standards.

With the departure of so many Board of Finance members, Mark is the perfect candidate to help lead this critical part of local government. We trust Mark with the important responsibility of guarding and protecting the assets of Newtown. Mark Boland wants to give back to the Newtown community, and we enthusiastically endorse him for the Board of Finance.

Patrick and Virginia Gorman

36 Hanover Road, Newtown  October 18, 2015

To the Editor:

I have lived in Newtown for 17 years. It offered a warm friendly dynamic with great opportunity as my son and daughter moved through elementary, middle and high school. We were blessed with won-derful relationships over the years. Shortly after I moved my family to Newtown in 1998, we met the Bolands. They have been great friends ever since; the kind of friends that stand by you in good times as well as those more challenging. Mark and Carol raised three terrific boys here in town; each now well on their way to successful futures.

Fiscal responsibility is at the core of the bright future we all want for Newtown; one that our residents can afford while we enjoy its great qualities and character. Reasonable taxes sharing the burden with a moderate commercial base can lead to continued strong school system and a town our kids might be able to afford to move back to raise their families. Mark’s demonstrated experience in business gives me great confidence that his analysis of the town budget will benefit the town as a whole and not any particular personal agenda. He is careful and inclusive in his thinking.

Mark has consistently and in a broad array of situations demonstrated the highest integrity. He takes the time to deeply understand through thoughtful consideration of various perspectives before drawing conclusions. This patient, conservative, reserved, analytical, and deliberative style is supported by keen business instincts. Mark has an intellectual curiosity which has served him well in a successful career. He is a kind and generous with his time and would be a tremendous asset for the town.

He is, in my view, not a politician but a deeply concerned citizen anxious to help us. We should let him.

Kim M. Uniacke

68 Parmalee Hill Road, Newtown     October 19, 2015

To the Editor:

My name is Jennifer Avari, a Middle Gate and Reed parent, and I endorse Rebekah Harriman-Stites for the Board of Education. I was very fortunate to be on the Middle Gate PTA board with Rebekah while she was the president.  She was a very professional leader.  She was there to support the school and our children in the most efficient, realistic, and caring way possible.  She was open to changes and made informed decisions.  She took the responsibilities of the PTA very seriously.

I do not feel that this is a question of voting for a Republican or Democrat.  I will vote for Rebekah be-cause she is a very responsible, dependable, intelligent, and caring Newtown citizen. I told her once that I would love to be on her team in whatever she does.  She has the characteristics of a great man-ager/leader.  She gets things done with the kids best interest in mind.

 Thank you!

Jenny Avari

14 Silver Brook Lane, Newtown     October 19, 2015

To the Editor:

I strongly encourage the voters of District 1 to reelect Joe Girgasky to a third-term as your represen-tative on Newtown’s Legislative Council.   If you know Joe, he already has your vote but, if you do not yet know him, you should.  He’s a very modest, unassuming guy with a great sense of humor and a great listener who is always considerate of more than one-side, with every issue   

Joe cares.  You can see and feel this when you speak with him, in his strong eye contact, in his warm smile. This makes him a terrific representative and helps keep him grounded and understanding of what makes us tick, as a community and as individuals.  

In these times of economic pressure, living in a state that does not have its economic house in order, it is critical that we reward conservative, local volunteers with our vote on November 3rd.  Joe is commit-ted to holding the line on local taxes by being a watchdog for sound, practical, responsible spending of your tax dollars. He’s also advocate for transparency and striking a considerate balance of our common concerns: property taxes, relief for seniors and veterans, roads, educational excellence, attracting ap-propriate economic growth and improving quality of life in Newtown.  

On a personal note, Joe Girgasky, his lovely wife, Chris, and son, Mitch, are good friends.   Newtown-ers to the core, they are all locally active and are always the first one to step forward and lend a hand to anyone who needs it. They are the essence of Newtown.  

Please, on Tuesday, November 3rd vote for Joe Girgasky in District 1. If you are not able to make it to the polls, it’s not too late to make absentee ballot arrangements with our Newtown Town Clerk’s office.

Sincerely,

State Representative Mitch Bolinsky

3 Wiley Lane, Newtown         October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for the reelection of Jim Filan to the Board of Finance. I have known Jim for many years on both a personal and professional level. Jim is an active parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima Church, and can be regularly seen cheering on his children at local cross-country, basketball and other sporting events throughout Newtown.

I had the privilege of serving with Jim on the Board of Directors of Isaiah 61:1, a non-profit organiza-tion headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Jim always demonstrated careful deliberation and at-tention to detail in our board discussions and was a true asset to that organization. Jim brings these same qualities to the Board of Finance and recognizes the need to place controls on spending in our current economic times while still providing for the needs of our community. Jim's past service on the Board of Finance illustrates his diligence, integrity and open-mindedness – qualities that all public servants should possess.

I would strongly urge fellow Newtowners to lend your support to Jim Filan and, like me, cast a vote for Jim on November 3rd.

Brian Roche

15 Sunset Hill Road, Newtown         October 20, 2015

To the Editor,

We are writing in support of Mark Boland’s candidacy for the Board of Finance.  For nearly 20 years, our family has enjoyed a wonderful friendship with Mark, his wife, Carol, and their three sons – since the day our boys met in first grade at Head O’ Meadow School.

We have come to know Mark as a sincere and dedicated friend, husband and father.  He is highly in-telligent yet genuinely humble.  Mark will bring all of these attributes and values to his role on the Board of Finance.

In addition to his personal traits, Mark has an extensive leadership background in business that in-cludes former president of Hermitage Insurance Company, founder of Coventry Insurance and current president of Merit Specialty.  During his years in the insurance business, Mark has overseen the growth of multiple businesses and acquired proficient skills which include cost analysis and reporting. In his long and successful career he has always been respected by his peers and clients as honest, trustworthy and committed to the highest ethical standards.

Twenty years ago, our growing family moved here from Stamford to take advantage of Newtown’s out-standing education system, affordable real estate, the beautiful countryside and to raise our kids in a place that values and nurtures its sense of community.  We have seen many changes over the years, including an increase in Newtown’s population, the brisk pace of new home building, the growth of new businesses and the inevitable rise in property taxes and the cost of living.  What has not changed is the commitment of residents like Mark Boland to give back to our community and to sustain Newtown’s reputation as a great place to live, work, raise a family and/or retire.

We are confident that Mark will leverage his personal qualities, skills, and experience to serve the needs of the Newtown community, including young families, middle aged folks, and the elderly.

Mark will work tirelessly and efficiently to maintain our outstanding education system, preserve open space and to improve our affordability index.

Mark is the ideal candidate for the Board of Finance.  We enthusiastically support Mark Boland be-cause we know he will make a meaningful contribution to the town we all love and call home.                                                                      

Sincerely,

Mike and Diane Iorfino

1 Wedgewood Court, Newtown         October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to support David Freedman for reelection to the Board of Education. I have known David for five years when we first coached youth soccer together. David has showed his ability to model fiscal responsibility for the community while keeping the children first and supporting investment to the classroom.  David continues to foster a stronger collaborative approach among the school board, teacher and community members.  I agree with his goal of being resourceful yet thinking creatively to achieve academic excellence and investing tax dollars where they impact learning and teaching the most.

I ask that you join me in voting for David Freedman, for the Newtown BOE on November 3, 2015

Sincerely,

Andrew N. Hall

8 Hoseye Coach Road, Newtown     October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

As a parent with two kids at Newtown High School and a Newtowner for more than 10 years, I know Paul Lundquist should be re-elected to the Legislative Council. He has been repeatedly reelected be-cause he has been conservative about our town’s finances but remains an advocate for our school sys-tem. Not an easy balancing act, but Mr Lundquist has always spoken and acted with that approach to our town’s needs, whether it is about our schools or, more recently, how best to use Fairfield Hills.

Neal DeYoung

9 Gopher Road, Newtown         October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

John Godin has earned my vote for the Board of Finance. I’ve had the opportunity to work with John for the last few years as a member of the board and am humbled to say that I have learned a great deal from him. John’s selfless approach to serving Newtown serves as a standard and example to which all can be measured. His energetic and practical commitment to Newtown goes well beyond his tenure on the Board of Finance to include his work shepherding the grant from General Electric for the commu-nity center to his service on the library board and many other volunteer positions in town.

John’s service on the Board of Finance has been exemplary and his attention has always been keenly fixed on the best interests of all the citizens of Newtown. Calm, reasoned and deliberate, John has a unique ability to understand and address complex issues. He knows what matters to voters. John has the clarity of vision to not only understand the emotional aspects of a topic but to look beyond the sin-gular or emotional concern, weigh it with the all the relevant facts and come to a balanced solution that benefits all of Newtown.

If you’ve met John, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, take the time to learn about him or give him a shout. It won’t take long for you to understand what a genuine gentleman he is and why he is the right choice for Newtown.

Please join me in supporting John Godin for the Board of Finance.

John Kortze

Chairman, Board of Finance

25 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown     October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse Ryan Knapp for reelection for the District 2 Legislative council.   I have known Ryan for five years and he’s worked for me for the past two years as an engineer for Macton Cor-poration in Oxford, CT.  He has always been a great professional to work with and he is very innovative and thorough in his approach to engineering.

I believe that these qualities have served him well as the current representative.   Ryan is a great communicator, he understands fiduciary responsibility and I believe has our best interest in mind while governing. That’s why I’m voting to reelect Ryan on November 3rd.

Stephen Schumacher

11 Timbermill Road, Sandy Hook     October 20, 2015

To the Editor

I am writing this letter to endorse Mary Ann Jacob for the Legislative Council, District 2.  Mary Ann and I have worked in many capacities together over the last 10 years. I met her initially through her work as the PTA president for Sandy Hook School.  We continued to work together as elected officials.

My first impression of Mary Ann was that she is a born leader.  She views any problem or hurdle as solvable and from a 10,000 foot view.  Mary Ann sticks to the facts, is fair and is not shy about tackling or discussing the most difficult issues. I feel lucky that we have such a strong advocate for Newtown.

As the current Legislative Council chair, Mary Ann is running for her 4th term.  Please join me in vot-ing for Mary Ann Jacob on November 3rd.

Kathy Hamilton

18 Nunnawauk Road, Newtown     October 21, 2015

To the Editor:

Please join me in proudly supporting Ryan Knapp for reelection to the Legislative Council, District 2. Ryan has lived most of his life here and his family dates back over 100 years in Newtown, with a long history of service to the community. His great-grandfather was selectman and judge of probate, his grandfather served on the Legislative Council, his grandmother served as president of the Newtown Historical Society, etc.  Ryan has continued that call to public service.

Young and energetic, he is senior mechanical engineer at The Macton Corporation and brings his in-telligence, his strong work ethic and his common sense to the council. As Ordinance Committee chair-man, Ryan has advocated for senior tax relief and tax credits for disabled Veterans. He strives for con-tinuous improvement, whether that be saving money in the budget with alternative cost saving meth-ods or putting forth legislation that creates a better quality of living in Newtown. Please vote for Ryan Knapp on November 3rd.

Barbara Bloom

25 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook     October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support  for David Freedman for reelection to the Board of Education. David brings a clear message and vision to the Board of Education.  He advocates for  excellence in education, he has been a voice for balancing priorities and continues to ask the tough questions.

I know David supports keeping all the elementary schools open and he feels the core of our education system in Newtown starts with the elementary school level.  David has become an advocate for the children and the school system.

Regards,

Stephen Singlak

Autumn Ridge Road, Newtown         October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

Please reelect Phil Carroll to the Legislative Council, District 3. Phil has lived in Newtown most of his life. He attended Newtown schools, as did his children, and is dedicated to make Newtown the best it can be. He was one of our beloved owner/operator school bus drivers for many years, and has volun-teered his time to help in so many ways.

Phil is fiscally responsible and, on the council, will continue to implement and support ways to save our tax dollars. He has long supported sharing services between the selectman’s and BOE’s side of the budget to cut costs. Phil will continue to support transparent, fair and accessible leadership, from the top down, through outreach and communication. I ask that you vote for Phil Carroll on November 3rd.

Dennis Bloom

25 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook     October 20, 2015

To the Editor:

Fiscal Responsibility, Informed Decision making, and Supporting the Excellence of our School System are three qualities that come to mind when I think of what is needed on the Board of Finance. These qualities are exemplified in candidates: John Godin, David Ruhs, Mark Boland and Sandy Roussas.

Fiscal Responsibility.  Newtown recently achieved a AAA credit rating while taxes were kept flat two years ago and were reduced last year.  These are the foundations and trends that need to be continued, so we can encourage families to make Newtown their “home” in the future.  

Informed Decisions. As both Newtown and Connecticut both face challenges going forward, it’s impor-tant that the Board of Finance works with all town boards to make informed decisions.  Their advise-ment on the budget process will be instrumental to future development in the town and keeping taxes reasonable for all taxpayers.

Supporting our School System.  Last year many savings were made to the Board of Education budget. Cuts in commodity costs and transportation allowed the Board of Education to launch new programs such as their “Spanish Language Program” with only a nominal increase in the budget.  The challenges of declining school enrollment while continuing the higher education enjoyed here in Newtown, will be key going forward.

John Godin currently serves on the Board of Finance and has over 25 years of financial services ex-perience.  David Ruhs, currently serving on the Planning and Zoning Board, has worked in the finance and banking world for the past 20 years and will give us strong practical experience. Mark Boland, cur-rently serving on the Conservation Commission, is a business leader who understands that success comes from people working as a team.  His business skill set would be a tremendous asset to our town. Finally, Sandy Roussas is a corporate litigator who brings to the Board of Finance strong analytical and critical thinking skills that balances out the diversity in experience for the Republican team.

Please join me on this Election Day in supporting these candidates for our Board of Finance.

JoAnne Albanesi

14 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook         October 21, 2015

To the Editor:

John Godin has been a resident of Newtown since 2007. Willing to put his financial acumen to work for the good of Newtown, John ran for and won a seat the Board of Assessment Appeals. Eight years have gone by, and I have grown to know John as friend as well as a hard working public servant. Not only has John served on Assessment Appeals, but he also served the Library Board of Trustees, two Charter Revision Commissions and the Board of Finance, where he is running for reelection. John chaired the 2012 Charter Revision Commission that gave voters a bifurcated budget with advisory questions, taking the guesswork out of understanding voter intentions after a failed referendum. Since Newtowners overwhelmingly approved those changes, we have had only a few failed referenda to deal with. On the Library Board, John chaired the Fundraising Committee that instituted the Newtown Turkey Trot. I love this 5K run because it raises a lot of money for our beloved library, it gives me a chance to spend Thanksgiving morning with members of our community and best of all it gives me an-other excuse to really enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.

Newtown is a better place because of John’s passion, hard work and diligence.  He serves the Board of Finance well by bringing facts to the meetings, informing his fellow members and arguing his positions passionately. John is one of only two incumbents running for reelection to a board guaranteed to be majority freshman next term.  With John leading the new members, the Board of Finance will be much better positioned to continue the sound fiscal policies that have enhanced Newtown’s financial position saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

With a declining student enrollment, space needs studies underway and changing demographics, there are too many consequential decisions to be made without John’s steady guidance.  Losing the in-stitutional knowledge of John Kortze, Joe Kearney, Mike Portnoy, and Harry Waterbury will present challenges to the board next term. These challenges will be far greater without John’s leadership. Please join me in voting for John Godin for Board of Finance.

Respectfully,

Jeff Capeci

52 Bear Hills Road, Newtown         October 21, 2015