To the Editor:

With an election coming up in November, voters have a pretty good idea of what Republican and Democrat candidates stand for, after all, they registered in the party and their parties endorsed them for office. If they don’t support their parties belief they would have changed alliances.

But what about those independent, unaffiliated, and minor party candidates? What do they believe?

I don’t think it’s partisan to hold beliefs, and I think it’s fair for voters to ask what a candidate stands for. So, I’m Bruce Walczak, I’m running for the Board of Education. Here’s your chance to get to know me a bit.

I believe in collaboration and compromise as warranted.

I feel that the current level of partisanship in governance is not beneficial to society nor Newtown.

Continuing to strengthen our education program is good for Newtown.

I strongly support education but want to ensure we spend our money wisely.

I believe social history should be discussed honestly and appropriately in and out of school.

I support the goal of helping diverse populations participate equally in society.

I believe in climate change and the need to act.

I believe that parents can decide what books they do not want their children to read. I don’t believe parents can dictate to other parents what books their children can access.

I’m not so sure about forgiving student debt, still learning about the complicated issues and solutions.

I believe School administrators and Elected Board of Education members need to constantly seek parents’ and residents’ opinions. Everyone deserves to be heard.

So just a slice of who I am. I think it’s important that you, the voters, understand some of my foundational beliefs.

I hope you will consider supporting me in November.

Bruce Walczak

Newtown