To the Editor:

How will the majority of us decide who to vote for on November 4? Let’s talk about some fundamental measures.

*Experience: Herb Rosenthal has been in public service in Newtown for nearly 20 years. Thirteen years on the Board of Education, three as chairman; and now six years as first selectman.

*Knowledge: Mr Rosenthal has a depth of understanding of the issues, challenges, laws, economic factors, and opportunities facing Newtown that nobody else in town possesses.

*Accomplishment: Herb has improved our financial condition, cut expenses, introduced meaningful tax relief for our seniors, acquired open space, repaired our streets, and squeezed the maximum out of our tax dollars.

*Leadership: Our First Selectman is not only doing his best here in town, but he is leading regional efforts to deal with some of the structural issues that are beyond our local control. His role has been recognized by his fellow municipal executives in the form of election to chairmanships and of accolades –– even a service award given every year in his honor by the Education Connection.

Herb is an example of the kind of leader Newtown can be truly proud of, and he deserves our support on November 4.

John P. Cunningham

26 Honey Lane, Newtown                                           October 29, 2003