To The Editor:

It is a privilege to write in support of Jim Gaston for re-election to the Board of Finance. Jim is a candidate who has worked tirelessly for Town residents for twenty years… 16 years as Chair or Vice-Chair of the Board of Finance and four years on the Board of Selectmen. My recollection is that he is the most experienced leader running for election this year. Our town has fiscal challenges that need his leadership.

The town and school district are seeing significant external financial pressures with declining State funding, and equally significant internal financial pressures with escalating self-insured health insurance costs due to a number of persons with catastrophic healthcare costs.

This is a work-in-progress. It needs our best. Jim Gaston is one of the best. Why? Simple. First, his experience. Second, his educational background, i.e. double major Finance and Economics and minor in Government from Lehigh University. Third, he’s run a law business for 30+ years and makes payrolls and business costs. Last, let’s face it, the Board of Finance is one of the most important Boards. It researches, refines and defines our taxpayer money. It is doing the heavy financial lifting and Jim Gaston is the most experienced.

A vote for Jim Gaston for the Board of Finance is a vote for Town financial security.

Please Vote November 4.

Lynne Farah

Newtown