To the Editor:

As Election Day quickly approaches, we will be required to make some tough decisions. The results of our decisions will affect our lives and the lives of, not only our families, but also our neighbors for the next two years and most likely for many more years to come. This year the number of residents who have tossed their hats into the political arena is a compliment to those who are willing to not only spend time, energy, and money during the campaign, but also an affirmation of their willingness to help our town establish a firm foothold in the 21st Century. All of this year’s candidates show a passion for what they believe is the best direction for our town. Although differing in what they feel is best for our town, they are all certainly willing to express their feelings, ideals, and philosophies and in most cases do have a plan of action that they hope will not only help to maintain the quality of life that we have all come to expect in Newtown, but to improve it.

Many of the issues — taxes, education, Fairfield Hills, seniors, transparency, volunteerism, and so on — that have been discussed and attempted to be dealt with in the past, continue to be major issues in this year’s election. Which group of elected officials will be able to solve the problems of our town, as they see it? Is it “Better in Newtown” or can it be even “Better in Newtown”? Depending upon whom you ask, the responses are quite different. Some running for office see us in need of redirection, some feel that we should maintain status quo, while others see the sky as falling. Who is right, who do we listen to, and who do we trust our fate to in the coming years?

Having carefully listened to and evaluating all of the candidates, it is clear to me that the two men that I feel most comfortable with and have the most confidence in are Gary Fetzer and Joe Hemingway (Team Newtown). Gary and Joe have both served our town untiringly, as elected officials and volunteers in various capacities over the past 20 years. In the nonpolitical arena, Gary has worked as director of communications for numerous firms and is currently teaching government at a local university, while Joe is a construction manager for a major construction company, responsible for the planning, construction, and completion of multimillion-dollar projects.

Gary and Joe have the ability to work together, and to work hard together. Although they do not always agree, they do listen, not only to one another, but also to all of the residents that they have spoken to over the past months. Through listening, understanding, experience, and cooperation they have developed a team that has the ability to make it even “Better in Newtown.” Vote Gary Fetzer for first selectman and Joe Hemingway for selectman on November 3; they are the leaders that we can all count on.

Gene Vetrano

Campaign Manager for Fetzer/Hemingway

6 Camelot Crest, Sandy Hook                               October 19, 2009