To the Editor:

I’m Jim Gaston running for Re-Election to the Board of Finance.

We moved to Main Street 34 years ago where we raised our four children. We were attracted to Newtown because of the great schools, historic Main Street, and rural open spaces. We’ve met hundreds of people through schools and sports. My neighbor, Lee Glover, Fire Chief of Hook & Ladder and Senior Burgess of the Borough recruited me to serve on the Borough’s Board of Burgesses. My friend, Judge Bill Lavery encouraged me to serve on the then Family Counseling Center Board, and thereafter run for political office. I have served some 16 years on the Board of Finance, as Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, and four years as a Selectman with Pat Llodra and Will Rodgers. I have also served for more than 20 years on the Borough Board of Burgesses and 12 years as Warden of the Borough.

My wife, Stephanie Gaston presently serves as Chair of the Borough of Newtown Historic District Commission, and for more than 20 years served on the Non-Profit, Newtown Scholarship Board, including as President, and then as long time Awards Committee Chair.

I received my Bachelor of Science in 1980 from Lehigh University — Double Major Finance (emphasis public finance) and Economics, and a Minor in Government. I graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1983. Upon graduation I worked for a trial law firm in Bridgeport and thereafter opened my own law firm. For 34 years I have made a payroll and have been blessed with an extremely successful practice.

For more than 20 years I’ve owned Siberian Huskies. Yes, you saw me run them each morning on the Main Street loop.

I hope to earn your vote on November 4th. Here’s how:

I believe the voter is the customer;

I am a strong supporter of the Five S’ … Schools, Streets, Safety, Smart Development, and Seniors;

Schools are the bedrock of our town and nation. They are our children’s future;

Good schools also move both move real estate values and critical thinking forward. Competitive research and development guarantees our national defense;

Without good Streets, 1st responder capabilities are impeded, and resident automobile repairs increase;

Not-Smart Development — A truck warehouse at Exit 9 negatively effects not only the surrounding neighbors, but 100+ tractor trailer trucks down Main Street would have been a disaster. Democrats opposed it. Thankfully, it was rejected;

Smart Development — Marygolds and Good Old Days, not 50 — 70, 8-30g (affordable housing) apartments in the heart of the Main Street Historic District. (Thank you to the 1996 Borough of Newtown Historic District founders.);

Seniors — I hear and recognize the needs, including potentially expanding tax credits and recreational activities.

I hope my experience and views earn your vote for re-election to the Board of Finance.

These are my opinions, only.

Please Vote November 4th!

Jim Gaston

Newtown