To The Editor:

I write to endorse Jim Gaston for re-election to the Board of Finance and with good reason.

The Board of Finance is one of the most important Boards. It researches, refines and defines our taxpayer money. With a double undergraduate major of Finance and Economics, a minor in Government and a Juris Doctorate — Duquesne University School of Law 1983, Jim brings unparalleled skills to the Board of Finance.

Jim has a history of 16 years as Chair or Vice-Chair of the Board of Finance and four years on the Board of Selectmen; he brings experience that cannot be duplicated. At the same time, he has run a law business for 30+ years. He makes payrolls and knows what businesses cost to run

Like every small town, Newtown has fiscal challenges with declining State funding, and equally significant internal financial pressures with escalating self-insured health insurance costs.

As both a resident of Newtown for 32 years and his experience as a small business owner, he knows what effect the decisions of the Board of Finance can have on the residents of Newtown.

Both for his educational and professional achievements and his experience as a member of the Board of Finance and a small business owner, I endorse Jim Gaston for re-election to the Board of Finance.

Don’t forget to vote November 4.

Laura E. Lerman

Newtown