To The Editor:

I’m writing today to ask you to re-elect Laura Miller to the Legislative Council from District 1. Yes, she’s my wife, and I’ve had a front row seat for the last four years as she’s devoted the largest chunk of her free time to studying both how Newtown town government works and the important issues that face us as a community, first as a Member of the Board of Finance, and for the past two years as a Member of the Legislative Council.

Laura is the Principal of a small high school for special needs students, and she has the skill and experience to put together a budget, run a program within that budget, and still make sure the educational needs of her vulnerable population are met. From my front row seat, I know her side of the living room is always stacked with open budget books, minutes of prior meetings, and reports and research on the issues she needs to address as part of the Legislative Council. She is present and prepared, and she asks hard questions and demands accountability of our town leaders, regardless of party.

Re-elect Laura to the Legislative Council. You can vote for up to four members. Cast one of your votes for Laura, regardless of your home team. She cares, she works hard, and she’s both experienced and knowledgeable.

And oh yes, I’m running for a full term on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I would also appreciate one of your two votes for that office. You can Google me and see my past Letters to the Editor and my other public statements. I hope you’ll find me as dedicated to good and thoughtful practices and policies in my area as Laura is in hers. Thank you.

Peter Schwarz

Newtown