To The Editor:

The recent debate for First Selectman and Selectman, held at the high school auditorium, offered a revealing glimpse into the candidates vying to lead Newtown. Though attendance was modest — fewer than 100 residents — the event was recorded and streamed for broader public access. If you care about the future of our town, I urge you to watch it.

Jeff Capeci, our incumbent First Selectman, stood out as a steady, informed leader. With over two decades of service — including roles as Chair of the Legislative Council and the Charter Revision Commission — Jeff brings institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of how Newtown’s government functions. His running mate, Charlie Gardner, is equally impressive: a seasoned attorney with expertise in land use, a critical issue shaping Newtown’s future. Together, they offer a balanced and capable team grounded in experience and public service.

Bruce Walczak, however, struggled to present a coherent vision. His remarks revealed a troubling unfamiliarity with the responsibilities of the First Selectman’s office. Frequent interruptions to confer privately with the moderator — while others were speaking — were not only a breach of protocol but a concerning preview of a leadership style reliant on external guidance rather than internal command.

Newtown deserves leadership that doesn’t need on-the-job training. We need officials who understand the machinery of local government and can drive it forward with confidence, clarity, and competence. Capeci and Gardner have proven they know the road — and they’re ready to lead us down it.

Let’s choose experience. Let’s choose results. Let’s choose a prosperous Newtown.

Andrew Buzzi, Jr

Newtown