To The Editor:

When it comes time to vote for Newtown’s next First Selectman, I encourage you to look beyond party lines and focus on the person. This position is too important for our community to let politics guide your choice. Take the time to learn about the candidates, talk to your friends and neighbors, and make your decision based on character, leadership, and commitment to Newtown.

My family and I have known Bruce Walczak, his wife Holly, and their many foster dogs for more than 30 years. Anyone who knows Bruce knows he’s a “dog’s best friend.” The compassion he’s shown in fostering and caring for animals is the same compassion he’ll bring to Newtown as First Selectman — making our town a better, more welcoming place for everyone.

Bruce has also been a landlord to several families in the borough over the years. I’ve seen firsthand how he treats his tenants — with kindness, fairness, and genuine concern for their well-being. That same spirit of caring and responsibility is exactly what he’ll bring to town leadership.

So, this year, no matter what party you’re registered with, vote for the person who has consistently done right by others — and will continue to do right for Newtown. When Election Day comes, I’m confident you’ll say, “I’m with Bruce.”

Paul McManus

Newtown