To the Editor:Editor's note: Mr Godin is chairman of the Board of Finance

Did you ever wonder what qualifications are needed to serve as a first selectman or selectman for Newtown? It's hard to say, given the diverse nature of the roles, but a strong dose of leadership skills, experience, smarts, and patience will go a long way toward achieving success. Given this perspective, and the fact that I've been lucky enough to observe and work closely with them for the last ten years, I am endorsing Will Rodgers and Jeff Capeci as the Republican Party's first selectman and second selectman candidates, respectively, in the September 12 Republican Primary.

Will is a reserved, low-key leader that cares more about substance and results rather than individual notoriety or popularity. He's a retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel, Iraqi Freedom veteran, and recipient of the Bronze Star. During his Iraq deployment he was a Marine Corps liaison officer working with the US Agency for International Development working on projects to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure - establishing schools, medical facilities, and water treatment plants. He has a distinguished background as a Newtown leader, serving six terms on the Legislative Council, three terms as chair, and two terms as chair of its important Ordinance Committee. He's also served four terms as a second selectman and was a key incorporator of the Newtown Foundation after the Sandy Hook tragedy, a task that involved tense, ongoing negotiations with state and federal officials. As a professional, Will is a successful attorney doing general practice legal work for commercial businesses and individuals in the Newtown area.

Jeff is an electrical and systems engineer and his training in engineering was evident when he served four terms on the Legislative Council, two terms as chair. He approached problems methodically and logically in order to get the best desired result even if it wasn't the most popular outcome. He recently chaired the last Charter Revision Commission, a one-year bipartisan effort that made significant, needed changes to the charter. If you have a question about what the charter's new intent is you can go to Jeff. His experience would be a terrific complement to Will's and they would make a great team on the Board of Selectman.

Please join me in supporting Will and Jeff at the September 12 Republican Primary.

John D. Godin

4 Quarry Ridge Road, Sandy Hook         September 5, 2017