People We Can Trust

To the Editor:

I am very proud to say that I was an owner-operator in Newtown for 35 years. Being an owner-operator means something. They don’t just drive the students to school. Owner-operators are a part of our community. We always practiced preventive maintenance to lessen the out-of-service repairs. We have always been there regardless of the weather. Most owner-operators plug their buses in during the winter months to both prevent breakdowns and keep your children warm. We made sure our licenses were up to date so we could work; after all this is a profession, not just a job.

Owner-operators have always been people we can trust, we know them. Look at church, the playing fields, the grocery stores and the restaurants in town, you will find them. Owner-operators are there whenever the community needs them. They put their heart and soul into keeping our children safe. At what cost do you put the safety of your children and grandchildren? We need to preserve this layer of safety that surrounds our children and support our friends and neighbors — our owner-operators.

Sincerely,

George Mattegat

Formerly Bus 17

12 Budd Drive, Newtown                                                June 5, 2011