To the Editor:

It is our pleasure to endorse Mary Ann Jacob as a candidate for Newtown's first selectman.

Mary Ann's broad business experience as a regional vice president of sales for a large global logistics firm means she knows how to manage large, complex budgets. At the same time, she is used to negotiating with both high level executives and small local businesses. This, coupled with her experience managing a large staff across multiple states, makes her the right candidate to be Newtown's CEO.

While other candidates for first selectman supported a "wait and see" attitude as it relates to our state budget, Mary Ann led the effort to insulate Newtown taxpayers up to $3 million in anticipation of a large reduction in state aid. Her opponents would have been willing to go back to the taxpayers for a supplemental tax increase, something she absolutely has refused to support.

Mary Ann has been a constant presence in town for that last eight years, always available, always learning, always listening, volunteering at events, supporting local nonprofits and businesses. Spending time among the community members is not just a campaign activity, but a part of her daily life as an involved and dedicated community member.

Mary Ann has worked tirelessly with our state representatives on issues that are important to Newtown. She has spent time with them in Hartford, advocating for important issues. No other candidate is ready to hit the ground running in advocating for what Newtown needs.

Sincerely,

Diane and Robert Licata

34 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook         August 30, 2017