To The Editor:

I am excited to write this letter to endorse Chris Gardner for a seat on the Newtown Board of Finance. As a previous Board of Finance member (2015-17), I can appreciate the personal commitment and financial acumen required for the finance board. Chris has the leadership skills that would make him an incredible asset for the Newtown community in this position.

I believe that Newtown should increase our focus on long-term financial planning. Annual budgets and policies are important, but if we want the best services for our tax dollar, we need a commitment to executing our long-term financial strategy. Chris Gardner has the ability to deliver value-add ideas and execute on such a vision. I witnessed Chris’ leadership skills firsthand in an effort to challenge previous boards on the school closure topic. He studied enrollment cycles, collaborated with community members, and he shared facts with the Board of Education. I want someone like Mr Gardner representing me because he works with the people, he then establishes his own opinion based on facts, and he follows through.

Thank you for considering Chris Gardner for the Newtown Board of Finance.

Kindly,

Aaron Carlson

2 Old Farm Hill Road, Newtown October 17, 2019