To the Editor:

Tuesday, November 7, 2017, is a big day for Newtown. It's the day we choose our next first selectman and an entire supporting cast. As Newtown's CEO and direction-setter, our first selectman inherits the formidable task of continuing to move our town forward while charged with preserving our community's character, quality of life and, importantly, a measure of affordability in a state that has become fiscally unbalanced and cannot be relied upon as a partner to our special town.

Personally, I admire and respect Will Rodgers. I believe he is uniquely qualified and up to the challenge. Will is a quiet person and, in some ways, hard to read but, as someone who's worked with him, please allow me to help you peek behind the curtain at this soft-spoken, unassuming man.

Will is always more eager to listen than to speak. Look into his eyes; he genuinely cares what you have to say and hangs on your next word, as his deeply analytic mind processes what you're contributing into his reply or actions, planning the work and working the plan. Will is an incredibly humble man and does not like to "brag" about his accomplishments, even though he has many. As a community leader, Will served 12 years on the Legislative Council, six as chair, followed by what will be ten years on the Board of Selectmen. He's served as a trustee of the Newtown Historical Society and the Hattertown Historic District, among other boards and commissions.

A retired US Marine Corps colonel, Will served our nation in active-duty and reservist roles for 30 years, including two tours in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star and decorated for Meritorious Service and other Outstanding Volunteer Medals. Will knows infrastructure. As liaison officer in Operation Iraqi Freedom, he coordinated infrastructure rebuilding on the ground with the US International Development Agency. Responsible, well thought-out planning, and crisp execution are all middle names for Will Rodgers.

Finally, in his "spare time," Will is a husband, father, and friend who's a successful, practicing attorney and a member of the Connecticut, New York and Washington, DC, bars.

It will be critical to Newtown's continued success that our new first selectman be a master of long-term positioning, creating operating efficiencies, and be able to stimulate smart growth of our grand list. Simply put, this job, in these times, must have the expertise of a steady, experienced leader to navigate Connecticut's rough waters and keep Newtown sailing smoothly into the foreseeable future.

On November 7, please vote and join me in casting a ballot for Will Rodgers. Experience matters and he's the best person for this job, in these times.

Mitch Bolinsky, State Representative

3 Wiley Lane, Newtown         October 4, 2017