To the Editor:

While I recognize that out of sight is often out of mind that does not apply here. After 30 wonderful happy years in Newtown, I will forever think of it with great affection as well as being grateful for the opportunity of serving on the Legislative Council for 22 years and thankful I served before it was emasculated by the creation of a second finance committee.

The vote on November 4 provides a choice between a tried and true Newtowner who served and led the Board of Education for 13 years before running and being elected first selectman for the past six years, and a challenger who would, in my opinion, be a disaster for the town.

Herb took a 50 percent cut in income and had to delay his honeymoon to run that first year. He really did it because the town was in such great turmoil due to the machination of the previous first selectman.

Herb has led with a steady, fair, and understanding manner. Please don’t think I always agreed with him, but I know he would really listen to all sides of an issue and would change his position if the argument was just. Very unlike the challenger whom I always found to be obstinately opinionated, dictatorial, intolerant of differing opinions, and extremely rude at public meetings.

No one has ever questioned Herb’s honesty, he never was asked to leave a failing financial institution as the challenger was asked to do. I would think a bank would have to be very badly run indeed to go under, after all isn’t that where the money is kept?

Herb Rosenthal has more experience dealing with and solving any of Newtown problems and opportunities than any other person. Running a town is a serious profession, the person with the most education and experience in that particular field is the person who is needed, not someone who would require on-the-job training.

The challenger has no elected public office experience. Unlike First Selectman Rosenthal who, in addition to his town offices, has been elected to his second term as chairman of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Council of Municipalities and is its treasurer. Herb is a prominent member of many other area and statewide groups. He is respected and admired by his peers and therefore able to work successfully with them for the town’s benefit.

I no longer live in town so have nothing to gain or to lose, but I love Newtown and the wonderful people who live there so I feel I would be very remiss not to write concerning the forthcoming election. If you remember me you know I was always very candid and outspoken but I always spoke from best intentions of the town. I do so again when I most sincerely urge you to vote for Herb Rosenthal on November 4 for your first selectman.

Melissa Pilchard

Little Egg Harbor, N.J.                                            October 19, 2003