To The Editor:

I own a small business here in Newtown so I am doubly sensitive to the pressures of both living and working here. Taxes are already high and with everything going on with Malloy and the State, we could see their problems pushed onto Newtown property tax payers.

We are fortunate in Newtown that Republicans like Ryan Knapp had the foresight to plan for the state cuts and build some reduction into our budget because we were spared when the October check from the state did not come. This proactive plan, along with building up reserves, also spared us from the recent negative notice from Moody's over 50 other towns received. Newtown is also fortunate that under Republican leadership they have reduced taxes two of the last four years, and it would have been three were it not for the state aid cuts. They have been holding the line on spending.

I have talked to Ryan about all the ways Newtown has been working to support businesses. He told me a list of projects they have attracted or retained using the Business Incentive, how it is not a give away and how they make sure it is always a net benefit to the tax payer. Under Republican leadership Newtown has added $2.5 million dollars in new tax revenue from grand list growth in the last four years. This revenue offsets expenses and keeps our taxes down.

We need more leaders like Ryan who both control spending and work to grow our businesses. November 7th, vote Ryan Knapp for Council and Row B.

Roy Scheunemann, Jr

21 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook         October 18, 2017