To the Editor:

This year’s contest for first selectman features two candidates who have been supportive of the need to maintain a fine school system that practices continuous improvement.

If I had the opportunity to work with William Sheluck over an extended period of time, I trust there would be many positive observations I could share with you. However, I can speak with conviction about many specific attributes of Herb Rosenthal. After all, 14 years as a school board member is a generous length of time to shape and verify your opinions about another individual.

I found Herb to be a caring, dedicated person with a profound commitment to our schools and students. He enthusiastically worked countless hours to help the school system improve by assisting citizens to understand the system’s mission and needs. This communication helped garner significant public support for the school budgets.

As chairman, Herb’s consistency, integrity and concern for others enabled him to be an outstanding leader. He believed that challenges were positive when addressed in a timely, intelligent manner. Herb was a consensus builder, skilled in bringing people and other resources together to solve problems.

When Herb was elected first selectman, his role pertaining to education changed from direct responsibility for our students to a more tangential role. Herb understood what pressure the fast growing student population and reduced state aid would place on the local property tax. He supported the school system by conservatively managing the growth of the selectman’s budget, thereby leaving more dollars for the Legislative Council and voters to address the significant space and staffing needs of the school system.

When I was superintendent of schools, I was very fortunate to have Herb for a colleague. I hope he can continue his valuable service to Newtown as first selectman.

Sincerely,

John R. Reed

63 Main Street, Newtown                                         October 27, 2003