To The Editor:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic endorsement of First Selectman Jeff Capeci in his recently-announced campaign for re-election and his running mate, Charles Gardner. Jeff and Charlie make for an experienced, capable and dependable team that will continue to provide thoughtful leadership for Newtown in the years ahead.

Jeff, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years, has a wealth of experience on town boards and commissions going back two decades, and over the past two years has set Newtown on the path to a stronger and more financially secure future. With Jeff’s leadership, Fairfield Hills is finally poised for major private investment into two of the remaining vacant buildings that will bring revenue to the town, new housing options for residents, and added vitality to the campus. Jeff’s prudent stewardship of town budgets, which he has carried over from previous stints on the Board of Selectmen and the Legislative Council, have involved careful scrutiny of each dollar spent and have limited increases while preserving town services during a time of financial challenges.

Charlie has also given many years of service to the town, including as Vice Chair of the Legislative Council and as a member of both the Board of Assessment Appeals and the Zoning Board of Appeals. As a father with children in the local school system, Charlie is deeply invested in Newtown and in seeing it thrive. While on the Legislative Council, Charlie voted in favor of applying for historic tax credits for Fairfield Hills and has consistently advocated for smart investments that would improve quality of life. At the same time, he shares Jeff’s concern for scrutinizing town budgets and ensuring the best value for residents.

I’m proud to support the reelection of Jeff Capeci and the election of Charles Gardner and encourage other Newtowners to do the same. Their proven track record and clear vision for Newtown’s future make them the right choice to lead our town.

Vincent Cuocci

Newtown