To the Editor:

My name is Maria Martinez, and I have known Mrs Monteleone Randle for over a dozen years and it is my honor and privilege to write this letter on her behalf.

Donna A. Monteleone came to Cuernavaca, Mexico, in February 1997, with her husband, Neil P. Randle. She left her career as purchasing manger with Unilever to start a new chapter in her life of supportive wife and shortly thereafter of the proud mother of twins, Nicholas and Marie. She and Neil quickly became active in the American and English community.

They became active members of St Michael and All Angels Parish where Donna offered her talent as lector and greeter to parishioners. Late in 1997, St Michael’s parish was making plans to move to a new building and location, which was in need of renovations. Donna had previously spent six years as property manager at her parish in New Jersey and generously offered her years of experience to ensure that the renovation of the church was a success.

In addition to volunteering at St Michaels, Donna became an active member of the International Newcomers Association, while learning Spanish and giving birth to their twins in February 1998.

In 1998, Donna identified an unfilled need in the American community. At that time, there were approximately 5,000 Americans living in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The nearest US Consular office was at the Embassy in Mexico City, a grueling two- to three-hour drive through choking traffic. Donna went to the US Consul General and presented a case where by a representative of the Consul Office would come to Cuernavaca every other month to work personally with the needs of the US citizens. An American was needed to accept the volunteer position as Consul Coordinator. Donna accepted the position and immediately set up meetings in the community to assist the needs of all Americans that were temporarily living in Cuernavaca to those who had chosen to retire in Mexico.

Always caring and compassionate, she helped talented local Mexicans find employment with foreign corporations that paid better wages than local national establishments. Up until the day that the Monteleone-Randle family left Mexico, Donna showed her full range of talents and abilities.

Newtown is indeed fortunate to have Donna run as a write-in candidate for Board of Education. The Independent Party of Newtown must also be a caring group of citizens or Donna would not have chosen to support them.

Maria Martinez

Reno, Nevada                  October 23, 2007