To the Editor:

I urge all of the people in Newtown to endorse the reelection of MaryAnn Jacob to the Legislative Council.

She has been an outstanding leader in seeking solutions to problems that affect and will continue to affect our lives: school enrollment, senior demographics, the budget, gun control, taxes, and the list goes on.

Her devotion to our town is unmatchable.

Richard Cole

72 Main Street, Newtown         October 11, 2015

To the Editor:

 I am enthusiastically endorsing the reelection of John Godin for the Board of Finance. Since John moved to town almost nine years ago, he hit the ground running with serving the citizens of Newtown. His initial volunteering was on the Board of Assessment Appeals, a board where no one comes to you asking to increase their assessment. It takes financial know-how and skilled diplomacy to serve on that board. John then served on the C. H. Booth Library Board. He rolled up his sleeves and chaired the Library's Fundraising Committee.

We have John and the other committee members to thank for the very town-oriented “Newtown Tur-key Trot.” It has become a “must-do” on Thanksgiving Day, and is a major fundraiser yearly for our beloved library.

John was only getting warmed up. He was elected two years ago to the Board of Finance and has added great value to the board from day one. John's financial services background professionally at JP Morgan and subsequently at General Electric has given him the strategic knowledge and tactical pragmatism necessary for Newtown today and into the future. All of us are fortunate to have this de-voted and skilled professional on our Board of Finance. Please join me on election day in casting your vote for John.

Sincerely,

Bill Brimmer

8 Hattertown Road, Newtown         October 11, 2015

To the Editor:

I write in support of Jim Gaston for Board of Finance.

Jim Gaston has been a selectman for the last four years. Prior to that he served ten years as vice chairperson on the Board of Finance.  He is a strong supporter of public education and for growth of the grand list, including smart commercial growth. He also supports strong historic preservation. Perhaps you know his wife, Stephanie, who chairs the Awards Committee of the Newtown Scholarship Associa-tion.  

Please see www.newtownctdemocrats.org for his academic qualifications, and fellow supportive De-mocratic candidates.

I support Jim Gaston’s assertion that facts come first.  He researched and wrote the financially com-prehensive paper about school closings that revealed the government hadn’t completed the promised three studies, nor was there included the complete tax and savings ramifications. Financial evaluation suggested 10 percent loss in property values for those in the Hawley district (if you have a $350,000 house that means you lose $35,000) and if you live outside the Hawley District to make up this de-valuation in the grand list your taxes will actually go up. Moreover, there was no study as to the reuse of any school buildings. Fortunately he stood up to this rush to judgment to close a school.

I also agree with Jim Gaston that it was right for our fellow Newtowners to push back on the per-ceived predetermined outcomes/agendas that include the Community Center. Our present committee is putting “facts first,” i.e. surveying the wishes of our residents. Bravo.

As we move forward with schools, education, capital improvements and the budget, Jim Gaston will have the similar courage to make sure we have the facts first and not backroom personal agendas. He will make sure taxes are controlled.

We will be voting for Jim Gaston for Board of Finance!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Maribeth Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook     October 12, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to support the reelection of Mary Ann Jacob to the Legislative Council.  I have worked alongside Mary Ann in the Sandy Hook School Library Media Center for almost five years.  She is a clear-eyed, energetic advocate for our schools and our town.

Mary Ann is unafraid to tackle large, complicated projects and she does so with insight and decisiveness.

I am impressed by her deep knowledge of how municipal governments function and her willingness to give of her time and energy to our town.  For all these reasons, I support Mary Ann in her bid to represent Newtown’s District Two.

Respectfully Submitted,

Cindy Carlson

6 Ironwood Drive, Sandy Hook          October 13, 2015

To the Editor:

It is easy to be blasé about politics. With the Presidential campaign starting 18 months ahead of the actual vote, the endless Late Night talk show jokes, and the inevitable Saturday Night Live sketches, politics and politicians can seem like characters in a play.  What prompted this letter is a true belief in a candidate who is fighting for a cause not on a national level, but a local one.  

Mark Boland is a personal friend and a man of great character.  We have had the privilege of knowing him, his wife, Carol, and their three sons for many years.  We have seen Mark in many situations and he has always been solid and sincere.  With the pressure that comes with the Board of Finance, Mark’s qualities will be a true advantage over other candidates.  Having lived here in Newtown for over 15 years, we have seen not only the community grow, but the town expenses grow as well. In particular, now that our kids have all benefitted from the Newtown school system, how do we keep a vibrant community without taxing homeowners excessively?

Mark’s dedication to Newtown and his wealth of personal business experience makes him qualified to give a fresh perspective to the Board of Finance.  From his entrepreneurial start in the insurance business, to his current role as president of Merit Specialty, Mark has exercised his budgeting and analytical skills in many varied situations.  There is no doubt he will work diligently towards three major objectives: improving the affordability index, preserving open space, and continuing the excellence of our education system.

Any golfer knows that you can tell a lot about a person on the golf course.  Having golfed with Mark, we can tell you this. Mark is generous, honest, a team player and fair.  He loves this town and wants to help develop strategies to benefit Newtown and not any personal agenda.

We support Mark Boland as candidate for the Newtown Board of Finance.

Moe Remitz

Jeff Sugarman

17 Narragansett Trail, Sandy Hook     October 13, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse two candidates: Judit DeStefano and Rebekah Harriman-Stites.

Judit DeStefano will be a huge asset to Newtown’s Legislative Council and her District 1 constituents. I’ve known Judit for 10 years—first as a remarkable teacher at Joel Barlow High School, second as a skilled writer with Sibley Smart Copy, and most importantly as a close friend and dedicated community leader. As a major force behind recent SOS (Support Our Schools) initiatives, Judit has the proven skills, experience and dedication to give Newtown what it needs most: a collaborative approach to addressing our town’s complex issues and a clear, transparent means of communicating the important outcomes at stake. A vote for Judit is a vote to strengthen our town.

Rebekah Harriman-Stites is an unparalleled candidate for Newtown’s Board of Education. I’ve known Rebekah for 10 years—professionally through her work as a grant writer and as co-founder of the My Sandy Hook Family Fund, and personally as a close friend. As a mother, a former PTA president and vocal community leader, Rebekah shows her dedication and tireless advocacy for Newtown’s children and its schools on a daily basis. She is a skilled communicator, a brilliant analyst of community issues, and a coalition-builder like no other. A vote for Rebekah is a vote for strong, sustainable Newtown schools.

In conclusion, Newtown is a stronger community with Judit DeStefano and Rebekah Harriman-Stites in office. Please join me in voting for them on November 3rd.

Sincerely,

Barbara Sibley

39 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook     October 13, 2015

To the Editor:

Please join me in supporting and reelecting Joe Girgasky for Legislative Council, District 1.  Joe is an honest, hard-working family man and a long-time community volunteer.

He has represented us well on the council, as well as on the Ordinance Committee and Municipal Operations Committee. He does his due diligence and research to make informed decisions and will continue to do his best to make sure our budget is spent wisely, is affordable and that the legislation put forth is beneficial to Newtown. A long time resident, familiar with our history, current concerns and vision, we can be sure of his loyal representation for all of our families.

Please vote for Joe Girgasky on November 3rd.

Barbara Bloom

25 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook     October 13, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to demonstrate support for Jim Gaston for Board of Finance.  As a current selectman, a previous vice chair of the Board of Finance, along with his numerous prior positions held within the Borough of Newtown, I am confident that he represents support of public education, commercial growth, and controlled taxes for our town of Newtown.

I personally know Jim and his wife, Stephanie, and I value his work, family and community ethics.  His contribution to our town is inspiring.  He is the perfect candidate for the Board of Finance.

Rob Manna

60 Waterview Drive, Sandy Hook     October 14, 2015

To the Editor:

I am writing to encourage voters to support Joe Girgasky for Newtown’s Legislative Council.

I have witnessed Joe’s upstanding family and community values through personal, business and volunteer relationships. His core values are a benchmark of the representation we deserve on the Legislative Council.

He understands the diverse range of concerns existing in our community and I trust that he will listen and act with our interests in mind for years to come.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Paul Viesto

Head of Meadow Rd, Newtown         October 13, 2015

To the Editor:

Jim Gaston has my enthusiastic support for election to the Board of Finance at a time when the community needs his experienced leadership to watch over its budget.

Jim’s superb credentials are well known to most Newtowners. He has served two terms on the Board of Selectmen, and before that was vice chairman of the Board of Finance for a decade. There will be no learning curve when Jim is put back on the finance board. He knows every detail of the budget, understands how our tax dollars are spent, and how revenues are generated. Importantly, he can lead the discussion of how our community will balance its slow but continued growth while maintaining a stable tax rate. It is not an easy task, but Jim has shown he has the skill and ability to lead Newtown forward.

I have had the honor to work alongside Jim on the Borough Board of Burgesses for nearly two years. Jim serves as the warden of the borough, the “mayor,” if you will. He brings his calm demeanor and ability to listen to every meeting, and works hard to build consensus before decisions are made. The borough tax rate has been reduced the past two years largely through Jim’s efforts to seek efficiencies in our small government. During that time, the borough has made significant investments in its sidewalks, streetlights, and other infrastructure. That takes careful planning and attention to every dollar that is raised and spent. It takes competent management and collaboration with the tax collector and treasurer, skills Jim will bring back to the Board of Finance when he is elected.

In the early summer, when it became apparent some in town government wanted to close Hawley School, several parents hastily formed a committee we named Support Our Schools. We quickly built a fact-based campaign to save the historic school, and Jim was the only leader in our community to research the long-term cost to the taxpayers to shutter the building. He put facts in front of emotion, and thankfully members of the Board of Education listened. In the meantime, one developer has proposed to build 180 rental apartments in Hawleyville, and other large housing projects are on the table. School enrollment will begin to tick up again, and we will need the classrooms that were to be locked. The rush to judgment to close a school clearly was done in haste, and I am thankful Jim stood up with the facts.

Newtown is fortunate to have a community servant like Jim Gaston willing to monitor its finances at this critical time. This is no time for political partisanship. We need Jim on the Board of Finance.

Respectfully,

Chris Gardner

4 Mt. Pleasant Terrace, Newtown     October 14, 2015

To The Editor:

Please vote for Dan Wiedemann for Legislative Council, District 2 this November 3rd. Dan is intelligent, knowledgeable, and works hard to do what is best for Newtown. With his extensive financial background, he will analyze our budget with a critical eye. Dan has lived in Newtown for 25 years and has been volunteering his time here for most of those years, serving on various boards and committees. He has raised his family here and now has grandchildren here, so Newtown’s current and future success are crucial to him and help guide his decisions.

Dennis Bloom

25 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook     October 14, 2015

To The Editor:

We have lived in Newtown for 25 years and have known Mark Boland for 20 of those years. We met when our sons started kindergarten at Head O'Meadow School. Newtown has been the perfect place to raise our children, but the town needs a vision for the future that takes into consideration residents of all ages. We moved to Newtown from Westchester County, NY, where we were raised, but couldn't afford the taxes as a young family. We hope that our children can afford to return to Newtown with their families if they choose someday.

Mark Boland understands the fiduciary responsibility that comes with the Board of Finance position and he has the qualifications needed. He is thoughtful and analytical without  a personal agenda. His long career in the insurance industry reflects his leadership qualities. All members of the Boland family have volunteered for local organizations, multiple school activities and they share in our pride of Newtown.

We are voting for Mark Boland with confidence that he will make a difference and serve with integrity.

Sincerely,

Pat and Paul Babbage

20 North Branch Road, October 13, 2015

To the Editor:

I am pleased to be writing a letter on behalf of and endorsing David Ruhs for the Board of Finance.  As a life long resident of Newtown David brings a unique perspective to the many issues facing our town.  He is a product of Newtown schools and the recipient of multiple degrees in finance and business from Northeastern University. David's career has concentrated on finance and business growth while working on Wall Street. Choosing to remain in Newtown and  raise his family, two beautiful daughters, in our schools gives David added incentive to help our town remain  a quality family destination.

For the past few years David has been a valued member of the town's Planning and Zoning Commission.  He has been instrumental in evaluating every aspect of land development applications with an eye on the specific economic value to our town. His contribution in creating, modifying and expanding town zoning regulations for the betterment of Newtown has been extremely valuable to the commission.  As chairman of the P&Z commission I am saddened that David is leaving our commission but I am confident, with your help, he will be an even more valued member on the Board of Finance.

Sincerely,

Bob Mulholland

21 Russett Rd, Sandy Hook,         October 14, 2015

To the Editor:

George Guidera will serve Newtown well on the Legislative Council. While George has only been in Newtown a few years, as I have gotten to know him, he has impressed me with his passion for our town. George grew up and raised his family nearby in Weston. From state representative to state senator to six-term first selectman, George served Weston honorably. At the capital, George authored the Connecticut Child Abuse Act, the first legislation passed in Connecticut to protect children from abuse and neglect as well as the Adoption Reform Act which insures that the adoptions cannot be overturned by Connecticut courts.

When George transplanted to Newtown, he brought his appetite for public service with him. For the past 16 months I have had the honor to serve with him on the Charter Revision Commission. From the beginning, it was clear to me how well George was groomed for public service. He understands the issues and as a practicing attorney with legislative experience he proposes thoughtful solutions in a demeanor persuasive to all. George listens to reason and ultimately bases his decisions upon facts. He is a great communicator who works well in groups and helps to forges consensus where agreement seems unachievable. He will use these skills on the difficult issues that will undoubtedly face the Legislative Council.

As a fiscal conservative, George will press town officials to find ways of easing the tax burdens of all residents including seniors. As the grandfather of children in Newtown public schools, he will fight for our children who represent the future of our country. George will work to preserve and enhance the friendly and endearing character that is Newtown. On November 3rd, please cast your vote for George Guidera for the Legislative Council, District 1.

Jeff Capeci

52 Bear Hills Road, Newtown         October 14, 2015