Letters Of Endorsement

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of electing Andrew Buzzi, Jr, to the Board of Education next month. My husband and I have lived in Newtown for nine years and have known Andy for many years, both personally and professionally.

Since Andy and his wife, Michele, moved to Newtown seven years ago they have shown a spirit of volunteerism and community service that few families can share. In addition to raising three children and Andy’s busy law practice, both are involved with scouting (Cub and Brownie), charitable work with their parish, and school activities.

Andy has been involved with Newtown government since he moved here. He joined the Public Building Committee in 1997, subsequently becoming vice chairman, then chairman. He proved his dedication, leadership ability, and fiscal responsibility on several town projects, the most recent of which was the Reed Intermediate School which was opened on time and on budget.

Although he was still chairman of the Public Building Committee, because of his experience, last April Andrew was asked to fill a vacated seat on the Board of Education. True to his nature, he was made aware of a town need and took action to meet it. Through this past spring and summer he worked with other BOE members during this particularly lively and difficult time for the board. He made tough decisions on saving money while keeping the educational mission in mind, participated in teacher contract negotiations and was actively involved in the transportation department’s effort to resolve the busing issues that plagued the start of school. Through these challenges he continued his well-established pattern of integrity, effective cooperation, and unwavering dedication to Newtown’s best interests.

Newtown is in a period of unprecedented growth that has put a strain on the entire infrastructure of our wonderful New England community, but especially on our expanding school system. My husband grew up here in Newtown and we are proud to be raising our three children here. It is essential that this growth and change be managed with intelligence, integrity, responsibility, and experience. Andrew is the BOE candidate this fall who has shown conclusively that he can deliver solid results, not just rhetoric, and we should vote to keep him on the Board of Education at this critical time.

Teresa B. LaCroce

30 Old Farm Hill Road, Newtown                           October 13, 2003