To The Editor:

Much has been written in the letters column about Jim Gaston. We know he is running for re-election to the Board of Finance. We know he has over two decades of experience serving our town and Borough governments. We know about his professional credentials as a successful lawyer and the positive mark his family has left on Newtown in their 34 years living on Main Street. If you’ve lived in town for a while, you know Jim.

There’s no question we need Jim back on the Board of Finance. To me it’s not a debate. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat, a Republican, or unaffiliated. In this election, Newtown must come first, and that means re-electing Jim.

I have served alongside Jim for over 13 years on the Borough Board of Burgesses. The past four years we also served the town together — me on the Legislative Council and Jim on the Board of Finance. Here are some observations:

Fact: Jim is a details person. I have watched him comb through thick binders of budget documents and fill pages on his legal pad with notes and questions.

Fact: Jim is an advocate. I have seen him strongly argue his position while respecting another’s point of view.

Fact: Jim appreciates Newtown’s history. I have listened to him speak passionately about the town’s past and the importance of preservation.

Fact: Jim will properly steward our tax dollars. Most importantly, few possess as much institutional knowledge about our town’s finances as Jim.

Jim Gaston is a person of great integrity. I am proud to support him for re-election to the Board of Finance. Please also vote for the vastly experienced Democratic Row A team.

Chris Gardner

Newtown