To the Editor:

Will Rodgers and Jeff Capeci have the experience needed to hit the ground running the day they are sworn in as first selectman and selectman. My endorsement is based on more than 20 years of experience in working with Will Rodgers on important town projects and issues.

As a former chairman of the Public Building Committee, I could always count on Will's support in the Legislative Council when it came to responsibly maintaining and expanding Newtown's infrastructure. He was involved with the Booth Library addition, the first high school expansion project, the acquisition of land and construction of the Reed Intermediate School, and numerous other school improvement projects. Will Rodgers has the experience needed for the faithful maintenance and growth of the infrastructure necessary to preserve the character of Newtown.

As a former member of the Board of Education, I can attest to Will's skillful leadership on the Legislative Council during the annual budget review and approval. It is a difficult process which requires a command of a complex budget in order to achieve the important goals of garnering town-wide approval and ultimately maintaining Newtown's excellent school system. The Legislative Council's review and approval of the many Union Contracts are of equal importance to the fiscal health of our community. Will Rodgers not only led the council through these complex contracts, but participated at the negotiation. The depth of knowledge gained through this critical experience cannot be duplicated and gives Will the skill to provide real solutions to maintain the excellence of Newtown's school system.

As a Cub Scout leader, I wanted a veteran to address our pack on Veteran's Day. Will Rodgers, a retired Marine with a combat tour in Iraq, answered the call. He not only related his experiences, but the commitment, patriotism, and love of country that inspired him to serve. I watched young and old(er) alike in the room hang on every word in awed silence. Will's service experience and commitment to our country gives him a unique perspective as the next leader of Newtown.

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Will Rodgers, as a Newtown selectman, led the transition team which created the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, Inc, which has distributed and continues to distribute funds received by the United Way and other charitable organizations. As a result of Will's leadership, the foundation continues today serving members of the community affected by the tragedy.

I have had the privilege of working with Will on these and many other projects in Newtown. He has served Newtown as a member of the Legislative Council, its chairman, and as a selectman for the last 20 years. My personal experiences with Will lend unique credibility to my endorsement and I can say with full confidence that Will Rodgers and Jeff Capeci are ready to hit the ground running when the election is over and continue their excellent service to the Town of Newtown.

Andrew Buzzi, Jr

38 Obtuse Road, Newtown          October 17, 2017