To The Editor:

My name is John Fletcher and I’m running for the Board of Finance in the November 4 elections. I currently serve on the Board, and I’d be honored to get your support to return for the next term.

What do I bring to the Board? I have experience with the business issues the town faces, and that is a significant benefit. Last year’s budget and capital plans were challenging, and I did the work and analysis to jointly help the entire Board reach balanced recommendations that town voters approved in the first vote. I have an MBA, and I’ve worked in finance and operations in a large corporation for 36 years, so I have extensive experience working with a range of people on large budgets, financial analysis, and capital projects.

I’ve also been on the Borough Zoning Board of Appeals for six years, so I see some town issues that are different from the typical Board of Finance ones. I’ve lived in Newtown with my family for 23 years, and our four great kids all attended Newtown schools. So I know we have difficult financial tradeoffs in town, but I’m a strong advocate for investing in education, because it strengthens our students directly, and it increases the attractiveness of the town for all of us. Balancing smart investment with financial discipline is one of our most significant challenges in the coming year, and I look forward to tackling that, with the rest of the Board.

The Board of Finance has contributed to the strong financial position that Newtown has enjoyed over the years, including our AAA credit rating. I’d like to continue to be part of that team, and I’d appreciate your support on November 4.

John Fletcher

Newtown