Editor,

I’m running for a third term on the Board of Finance because there are initiatives I want to see carried forward. Newtown is a spectacular place to live whether retired, as I am, raising a family, or enjoying a single life. I want the 21st century Newtown to be an even better, more livable community for everyone.

This won’t happen without planning and follow through.

I am proud of my efforts on the BoF to demystify town finances, update financial policies and procedures, and shift the BoF towards more long-term financial considerations. The Capital Improvement Plan has been extended to a 10-year horizon, and BoF started doing 10-year budget forecasts.

Aging town buildings put pressure on bonding and other funding for capital maintenance and improvements. To better manage this, I worked with the First Selectman to establish the Town Building Inventory and Planning Work Group, which I chair. If we establish and stick to plans for smart maintenance and spending, Newtown can continue to be that great town, with great schools, solid infrastructure, and tremendous recreational and cultural opportunities without jumps in property tax.

Over the past two years my BoF votes have kept property taxes flat while funding all staff and resource requests for schools and municipal operations.

Newtown finances are complex and arcane. Understanding town finances takes time, effort, and a perspective of previous years. Project savings supporting major expenditures need people who in the future know to see savings are realized and passed to taxpayers.

As the “retired guy with time” I’ll put in the needed hours. If re-elected I’ll bring the insights and continuity essential to achieving our aspirations for great schools, economic development, recreation, and a twenty-first century livable community. That is why I’m asking you to vote for Ned Simpson for Board of Finance.

More at www.facebook.com/Ned4Newtown

Ned Simpson

Sandy Hook