To the Editor:

Newtown residents need to ensure now more than ever that we have experienced, highly effective proven leaders in the positions of selectman and first selectman for the next two years. Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowski have earned your vote over the last two terms and need everyone’s support regardless of your party affiliation to continue in their efforts to preserve the character of this town for all.

Four hundred-fifty senior citizens should know that it was Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowski who led the way to have the council endorse their program for tax relief for senior citizens. One hundred-sixty fire and ambulance volunteers should know that it was Herb and Joe who led the way to have them receive tax relief for manning our fire departments and ambulance service. Those of us who desire to have Newtown protect its open space should know that Joe and Herb led the way to preserve 1,100 acres of open space land forever in Newtown, just in 2001. Sound fiscal policies of the Rosenthal/Bojnowski team have now secured a very high AA rating from Moody. Reorganization and better practices of the Public Works Department has resulted in over 75 miles of our roads being resurfaced in the last two years.

Having served 13 years on the Board of Education, the last three as chairman, Herb has demonstrated his ability to preserve and build the Newtown School System into a nationally recognized institute.

Newtown is the process of developing the Fairfield Hills campus in a manner that will preserve our open space, provide the additional office space the town government requires and provide the desperately needed athletic/recreational fields we require for future generations. The negotiation skills of Herb Rosenthal with the state government are what brought this property to Newtown residents at a fair price on the terms we desired. Plans are in place to again get input from Newtown residents for the development of this property.

It is important that each and every citizen of Newtown exercise their right to vote. I urge you to use that vote to reelect Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowski on November 6.

Mike Kelly

21 Bridge End Farm Lane, Sandy Hook October 31, 2001