To the Editor:

I am writing on behalf of my friend Tony Filiato who is running for a second term on the Legislative Council. I have known Tony ever since our children started kindergarten at Middle Gate many years ago. Tony is running for his second term on the LC from the Third District.  In 2012, the Charter Revision Commission, on which Tony served, recommended not only a bifurcated budget but also urged earlier and greater collaboration between all parties involved. The new process that evolved from the commission’s work has resulted in much less divisive budget seasons exemplified by the last two that were passed by the voters at the first referendum.

Tony’s background as a successful attorney has enabled him to quickly become productive on the Legislative Council. He has learned how Newtown government operates best. He advocates for and encourages the policies that have held the line on taxes, controlled spending and have expanded our commercial base. Not only does he understand the strategies that lead to good and open governance, but he is able to advocate for them and persuade others on the council to make the right decisions too. 

Newtown’s fiscal position has improved greatly in the past several years under the guidance and leadership of Pat Llodra as supported by the Board of Finance, Board of Ed and the Legislative Council. As a result, government can and should focus more closely on quality of life issues such as repairing our infrastructure including roads, development at Fairfield Hills and balancing services with our changing demographics. As chair of the Ad Hoc Committee for Policy and Planning for Roads, Tony has be one of the leaders in this effort to keep it “Nicer in Newtown”. The next two years will present Newtown with many challenges. We need Tony on the LC to assure that those challenges are met. Please join me in voting for Tony Filiato for District 3 Legislative Council.

Jeff Capeci

52 Bear Hills Road, Newtown                            September 30, 2015