To The Editor:

As your First Selectman, I remain deeply committed to keeping Newtown a place we are all proud to call home. Over the past two years, I have worked to provide steady, transparent leadership while addressing the needs of our residents and planning responsibly for the future.

I am proud of what I have accomplished in my first term. I presented a responsible budget that balanced the needs of our community with fiscal discipline, though my fellow Selectmen later voted to increase spending. I advanced long-needed infrastructure improvements, from road paving and drainage to facility upgrades, to ensure our town remains safe and well-maintained. I continue to move forward with the voter approved plan for Fairfield Hills to make it a vibrant community center. I support our schools, emergency services, and town employees, who are at the heart of what makes Newtown strong.

At the same time, serving as a minority first selectman has tied my hands and slowed the progress of my agenda. That is why I chose Charlie Gardner as my running mate for Selectman. Charlie shares my vision for fiscal responsibility, accountability, and planned development. We are both committed to easing the tax burden on our neighbors through building thoughtful upon our commercial tax base. With Charlie’s partnership, I will be able to deliver on that vision more effectively and ensure that our priorities reflect the will of the people.

Equally important is communication and accessibility — residents should always feel heard. I have valued every opportunity to listen to your concerns and ideas at town meetings, through interactions at the numerous events I attend every week and at Java with Jeff at the Senior center. I am honored to serve as your First Selectman and ask for your support for another term — along with your vote for Charlie Gardner — so together we can move Newtown forward without delay.

Jeff Capeci

Newtown