Letters Of Endorsement

To the Editor:

A resident of Newtown for over 25 years, I have watched the town’s economic health as a concerned taxpayer, an owner of an area business, and most recently as a member of Newtown’s Economic Development Commission.

Throughout his tenure Herb Rosenthal has demonstrated an understanding of the complex economic issues that affect our town. He supported the goals of the EDC of encouraging responsible business to move to Newtown and to heartily thank those already here.

Since Herb took office, Newtown has added the Curtis Corporate Park, local businesses have grown and expanded, and we stand on the verge of completing the acquisition of the Fairfield Hills property. The last two years were commercially very active. The town’s building department issued a total of 215 commercial permits with an estimated value of more than $5 million. This activity included permits for a new commercial building, four additions, 28 renovations, and five new foundations. The year before, our 194 commercial permits had a total value of $17.7 million.

As Newtown, and most other towns, struggle with the burden of taxes weighing heavily on property taxpayers, it is good to know Herb understands the important part a healthy local economy plays. Let’s hope he gets the opportunity to continue his fine works.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Dent

Vice Chairman

Newtown Economic Development Commission

10 Country Squire Road, Sandy Hook                   October 27, 2003