To the Editor:

For a number of years Newtown outlawed the placement of political lawn signs. However, the court ruled that a town could not enforce such a prohibition.

I, as Democratic town chairman, discussed this situation with the then-chairwoman of the Republican Town Committee. Both parties agreed that Newtown is a nicer place without them. We made a friendly agreement that both parties would not place political lawn signs. Newtown has been praised by newspapers for not cluttering its landscape with them.

It has come to my attention that recently some candidates and their supporters have been putting up such signs. I discussed this matter with James Smith, chairman of the Republican Town Committee. We agree that our commitment to not use these signs is good for the image of Newtown and will continue to honor this practice. Therefore in order to preserve the beauty of Newtown, we urge all candidates to refrain from the use of political lawn signs.

Sincerely,

Earl J. Smith, Jr

Chairman, Newtown Democratic Town Committee

5 Serenity Lane, Sandy Hook                                    October 24, 2007