To the Editor:

Ben Roberts is running for the Board of Finance as a candidate with IPN. I have had the privilege of getting to know Ben over the last six months because I am a regular participant in Monday Night Discussion Salons At Mocha Coffeehouse, an idea Ben conceived and successfully brought to fruition. At every meeting, Ben has proven his wealth of talents. He is, first and foremost, an exceptional listener, attentively assimilating and earnestly evaluating what he hears. Likewise, he has a natural aptitude for facilitating dialogue and encouraging debate, while deftly sustaining the focus of discussion. It’s important to note the correlation here: the Board of Finance is a deliberative body charged with finding consensus through collaborative discourse. Ben has consistently mastered these skills — just ask one of his many loyal Discussion Group Salonistas!

Ben is also an avid follower of current events, a practice that enriches the depth and breath of his thinking. (I’ve learned more during six months of Discussion Salon than I have in the last ten years, thanks to Ben’s influence.) He is a man of wisdom who consumes knowledge for the sheer joy of learning and understanding. In addition to his impressive intellect, I have found Ben to be deeply principled, always reflecting on the consequences of his actions and ultimately choosing to be magnanimous rather than opportunistic. He has a way of seeing the world through the eyes of a pragmatist, while never letting go of his ideals — a remarkable feat in today’s world. Professionally, Ben is ideally suited to the task at hand, having worked in finance for his entire career. He currently runs a financial counseling service for socially responsible investing. This business is another example of Ben’s deeply held ideals, in this case a respect for our environment and a commitment to shaping a more positive and sustainable future.

In short, Ben is not your average politician. He cares about Newtown from a holistic perspective and he will bring his wisdom and compassion to bear in leading our town through the challenges of an uneasy future. I have the utmost confidence in his objectives and abilities. Please join me in voting for Ben Roberts, IPN candidate for the Board of Finance.

Lisa Schwartz

7 Merlins Lane, Newtown                                           October 12, 2009