To the Editor:

It is a pleasure after a long campaign to be able to take a moment to ask you, the voters, to join me in voting for people who have taken the difficulty step of running for public office. Some of the people I hope you will support are incumbents or former elected officials with outstanding records of service; others are making their first attempt at elective office.

First of all, I am very proud to be a member and endorse the entire Democratic team of candidates. Beginning with my running mate and fellow selectman for the last ten years, Joe Bojnowski, who, with his engineering background and strong business acumen has made major contributions to the good management of the town; and continuing with our Legislative Council candidates, experienced and new; Board of Education; Board of Finance; Planning and Zoning; Zoning Board of Appeals; Police Commission; Board of Assessment Appeals; and Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers; these people will serve Newtown well and deserve our support.

You have more votes for most offices than we have Democratic candidates and I hope you will also join me in supporting some fine Republican incumbents and new candidates to round out the remaining council seats and places on the previously mentioned boards. I will single out a few, beginning with Council Chair Will Rodgers for reelection in Council District 3. Will is the model of bi-partisanship always working for the best interests of the people of Newtown, never succumbing to petty politics or self-interest. What can be a finer example of his character and courage than his recent service as a Marine Colonel in the thick of combat in Iraq? We need his leadership on the council. He and Democratic vice-chair, Tim Holian have been an invaluable team. Speaking of Tim, he is recovering from illness and surgery that have kept him sideline and unable to campaign since before Labor Day, but he will be ready to serve a new term.

There are two other boards that are important, but low profile at campaign time. First, there are four candidates running for the Planning & Zoning Commission and we have three votes. Mine will go to Republican, Dennis Bloom along with Democrats, Bob Poulin and Rich English. Next, there are five candidates running for Police Commission and we have three votes. I will vote for Republican, Duane Giannini along with Democrats, Gerry Finnegan and Roger Sperling.

Finally, it has been a great honor and privilege to serve as your first selectman and I hope that you will consider me for reelection to another term.

Sincerely,

Herb Rosenthal

70 Main Street, Newtown                                     October 31, 2007