To the Editor:

I’d like to recognize Rob Hawley as a fine member of our local Newtown community who is running for office for the Board of Assessment Appeals. I’ve known Rob since he moved to Newtown ten years ago through our church — Saint Rose.

What I admire most about Rob is — he gets it. He is quick to understand what Newtown is, and having grown up in another small town, recognizes how special our town is. Looking at the population of our town, there aren’t many that run for, or succeed at obtaining an office in our local government, and Rob is a great candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

His desire to help the people of Newtown is evident with his interactions with me and other people I know. This is clear, as there is no “fame” garnered by achieving a position on the Board of Appeals, but the results of doing so can help the people of Newtown manage their resources as best they can by granting variances of the Zoning Regulations when applicable. Many people may complain about the “red tape” of government, but few have the desire to help solve it.

I think Rob would be a fine addition to the board and could help people make better use of their properties through the appeals process.

Christopher Locke

Sandy Hook