To the Editor:

Last week’s Newtown Bee Editorial Round Table with the First Selectman candidates was revealing. Both Dan Cruson and Jeff Capeci answered questions on issues ranging from development, traffic, a town administrator and the future of the Middle School to name a few. Both offered what they considered were sincere and thoughtful answers, but that’s where the similarity ends.

What became apparent from these interviews is the very real contrast in professional and civic experience between the two. Cruson touts his running two businesses over the last ten years, currently one as a self-employed web designer, along with his seven years on the Newtown School Board and service on two of its sub-committees. He states that being first selectman would be “easier than managing two businesses at the same time.” He also believes that the experience gives him “a good feel for municipal budgets.” ‘

Same questions, quite different answers from Capeci. Capeci said he has “always been a problem solver” as an engineer, managing teams for 20 years. Stated a “love of public service,” over the past 18 years, serving on the Legislative Council two terms, and three more as chairman. Also serving on Charter Revision Commissions twice, and as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He recalled working on “tumultuous budgets,” and has developed relationships with all the town’s directors and said he has a “good rapport” with them.

Whether the question is spending millions on a new middle school, a town administrator, growing the tax base, or preserving open space, experience counts.

Who do you think will be better able to manage a $47 million dollar enterprise with 190 employees, 15 departments, and 5 unions? Because that’s also what Newtown is — a business — and as owners, we should be hiring the most qualified candidate, Jeff Capeci.

Jim Bernardi

Newtown