To the Editor:

Every few years in towns and cities across America, someone rides in on what is supposed to be a white horse with claims that the people who have been working so hard for the citizens who elected them, have not been doing the job. You have all seen the typical campaign ads and heard the typical campaign year rhetoric with no concrete documentation as to Bill Sheluck’s Vision; nothing to explain how he intends to get this done and where the money will come from.

The citizens of Newtown have elected Herb Rosenthal, first selectman, and Joe Bojonowski, selectman, now for the last three terms. Each time they have made a number of promises to the citizens and each time they have delivered. In order for you to make a decision on who to vote for on November 4, I would like to list just few of the promises they have made and promises they have kept. No campaign ads and no campaign rhetoric, just facts.

*Cut Selectman’s Budget almost five percent this year alone.

*Average increase less than two percent per year for the last five years –– one of the lowest in state below the rate of inflation.

*Increased the tax relief for seniors from just over $30,000 prior to their administration to almost $500,000 and pledge to continue to do more

*Increased Newtown’s bond rating with Moody’s twice in the last three years saving the town over $750,000

*Preserved over 1,000 acres of open space the last two years through town and state initiative

*Obtained $2.8 million in grants for projects in the last two years, including $1.25 million for open space

*First town in the region to perform emergency medical dispatch with the towns new combined E911 dispatch center

*Purchase and sold Queen Street homes and lots for a profit and still protected neighborhood and scenic views

Now that you have some of the facts, I am sure you will agree, that we need to return Herb and Joe and their entire slate of candidates by voting Rosenthal/Bojonowski on November 4. Let’s thank them and keep them working for Newtown citizens on the next two years!

Mike Kelley

21 Bridge End Farm Lane, Sandy Hook                   October 24, 2003