To the Editor:

I have lived in Newtown for a little over three years. Rebekah Harriman-Stites was one of the first people in town that I got to know, and she fast became someone I tremendously admire and respect. She is intelligent, energetic, and kind, not to mention a successful business owner, a wonderful parent, and has a reputation for getting things done.

She also has that rare talent of actually being able to consider a myriad of viewpoints and truly get to the heart of an issue from different perspectives. So, forget about any party endorsements — I assure you, she genuinely wants to listen and earn the vote and support of each person in our town and community. In an age where politics can be divisive, she’s someone who really knows how to cut through the fog and build bridges, find common ground, and move everyone forward.

She is one of the few people I would say to others to simply tell her what matters to you, because you will find that she cares deeply about doing her job right. She is tough, she’s reasonable, and I know Rebekah will be a passionate advocate for us all.

These are my personal views, and not those of the Zoning Board of Appeals, of which I am a member.

Prerna Rao

26 Palestine Road, Newtown         November 1, 2018