To the Editor:

I write to strongly endorse the following individuals for Board of Finance:

Steve Hinden, Chris Gardner, Keith Alexander, and Ned Simpson. For more than 20 years, I’ve worked with talented elected officials. All four candidates, Steve Hinden, Chris Gardner, Keith Alexander, and Ned Simpson are well educated in finance and have their own unique talents.

Steve Hinden is a lawyer and works in finance. He supports smart education, and on the Board of Finance asks tough, pointed questions. Steve is not afraid to take an independent view of an issue, thereby raising further review and discussion on the matter. As a result, his insights make the Board of Finance better.

Chris Gardner will be an exceptional addition to the Board of Finance. He has served for years on the Board of Burgesses, was instrumental on getting the facts out about Hawley School, and has voluntarily assumed the flagpole care duties. He is sharp on financial matters and is a journalist by education, so he knows how to get to the heart of a matter. Often Chris, at Board of Burgesses meetings, is the one who capsulizes the complex issue and offers the best solution.

Keith Alexander is also a tremendous asset to the Board of Finance. He brings his vast experience in education and finance from previously chairing the Board of Education.

Ned Simpson is retired from the financial business world and on the Board of Finance has helped shape the senior perspective on town and education finance. He has done yeoman’s work on the Capital Improvement Policy and Debt Policy revisions.

Please join me in voting to reelect Steve Hinden, Keith Alexander, and Ned Simpson, and electing Chris Gardner to the Board of Finance.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jim Gaston

18 Main Street, Newtown October 9, 2019