Voters Have A Choice

For Board Of Education

To the Editor:

Newtown Republicans are running on a platform of improved communication between town officials and the taxpayers. A case in point: the Republican Town Committee listened when voters asked for choice in members elected to the Board of Education. This year the RTC is presenting three excellent candidates for two open seats.

Andy Buzzi, appointed in April 2003 to fill a vacancy on the school board, has enormous respect both within the Board of Education and the community at large. As chairman of the Public Building & Site Commission, Andy shepherded the 5/6 school project to completion so that it could open on schedule in January.

Within the Board of Education, he has used his background in constitutional law and considerable persuasive skills to ensure our children receive a classic education. Andy has been extremely accessible to parents throughout our community as they wrestle with schedule changes and other issues brought about by a reduced education budget

George Caracciolo, a retired lieutenant with the New York City Police Department, has a long record of community service. He is an experienced school board member, having served for five years on the Board of Education in Uniondale, N.Y. Since coming to Newtown seven years ago, he has served on the Alarm Appeals Board and 2001 Charter Revision Commission.

George, a firm believer in quality education for all our children, has also been very visible throughout the community. He has made his views known at Board of Education meetings, in the pages of this newspaper, and on Town Talk [message board at www.newtownbee.com].

 Paul Mangiafico, a retired corporate executive and currently active business consultant, has dedicated himself to learning about our school system, whether this concerns improving the already high level of our education or offering efficiencies in the way the school system is managed. With one of his children and grandchildren living in Newtown, Paul is a tireless campaigner for quality education.

 Paul has been talking to several community groups as well as observing many of our town boards and commissions in action. No newcomer to community service, Paul served for several terms on the Danbury Zoning Commission, the last few years as vice chairman, before moving to Newtown seven years ago.

 So, how does one choose among three such qualified and dedicated candidates? The RTC is providing an opportunity to meet each of them face-to-face on Saturday morning, October 25, in the Booth Library meeting room from 9:30 to noon. At 10 am Andy, George, and Paul will each present their views of what they hope to accomplish on the Board of Education and answer your questions. We invite all Newtown voters to make an informed choice on November 4 by stopping by the library on October 25.

Sincerely,

Carol Recht

11 Tunnel Road, Newtown                                       October 15, 2003