Democrats, Gaston Issue

Pre-Election Praise, Endorsement To Llodra

By John Voket

The Newtown Democratic Town Committee, and its top candidate James Gaston, praised Republican First Selectman Pat Llodra and touted the party’s “Return to Reason” platform in a pre-election release November 2. Mr Gaston then went on to endorse Mrs Llodra as his personal choice for another term as first selectman.

The DTC statement pointed to the first selectman’s performance during the recent winter storm and its aftermath, noting, “We all have learned the importance of leadership and government. 

“At times of crisis its leadership must not only be ready to act, but must also have available the resources to do so. Pat Llodra and Jim Gaston have demonstrated such past leadership.”

The release went on to state that “all the Democratic candidate this year stand for fiscal responsibility, Blue Ribbon education, the preservation of Newtown’s cherished hallmark entities and institutions, transparency and a return to respect, cooperation, and consensus building to move Newtown forward.”

Then, Mr Gaston personally acknowledged Mrs Llodra “for once again working tirelessly throughout the difficult storm and the aftereffects where nearly 95 percent of Newtown lost power.”

“Not only have I worked with Pat on issues such as the Greenridge-United Water issue that potentially jeopardized the Pootatuck and the Borough, as well as on the Legislative Council Ad Hoc Maintenance Committee suggested by Dan Amaral, Democratic Candidate for Legislative Council District 3, and Co-Chaired by Paul Lundquist, Democratic Candidate for Legislative Council District 1, but recently as Warden of the Borough I worked with her on issues involving the storm,” Mr Gaston stated. “She has my vote for First Selectmen, and I hope all Democrats will likewise consider voting for her, too.” 

Mr Gaston said if elected to the Board of Selectmen, his priorities would include addressing the owner-operator bus issue; present a zero percent increase to the town-side budget; unify the town and school district’s central computer system and software in order to account financially and timewise for work/job sharing between departments, Fairfield Hills and the schools; and continue a long record of fiscal responsibility balanced with support for the needs for a Blue Ribbon School District.

Mr Gaston recommended voters wanting to learn more should visit newtownctdemocrats.org.