To The Editor:

Please join us in voting for Will Rodgers and Jeff Capeci during the Republican Primary next Tuesday. They are highly capable professionals, with the broadest experience of any Newtown political candidates. They are organized for the campaign this fall, and when elected, can easily hit the ground running.

Newtown is facing a sea change in state aid. Tried and true cost-cutting methods won't be enough. Will is ready to consider "outside-the-box" solutions. He plans to aggressively look for clean economic development to offset residential taxes. He's open to regionalization and privatization of some services. He values seniors and their volunteer efforts and wants to lighten their tax load. And despite massive deterioration, he's focused on ways to fix our roads.

He knows about these things, because for the past eight years, Will has served on the Board of Selectmen. He's also been a member of the Legislative Council and chaired it. He is the former chair of the Transition Team in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, and an incorporator of the Sandy Hook Community Foundation. With dual careers as a private practice attorney and Marine Corps judge advocate, he is an experienced presenter and negotiator.

Over the years, both Will and Jeff were instrumental in refining the current Town Charter and its processes. Jeff served as chair of the most recent, and highly successful, Charter Revision Commission. Prior to that he was a member, then chaired, the Legislative Council for eight years.

We can provide a longer version of their volunteerism and accomplishments, but simply said, these are two exceptional leaders. Combined, they are the right team for this town. Please vote for them next Tuesday, September 12.

Jane and Don Sharpe

62 Underhill Road, Sandy Hook         September 5, 2017