To The Editor:

I write in support of Rob Blanchard for State Senate. I’m fortunate to know both candidates, Rob Blanchard and Amybeth Laroche. I’ve known Rob for more than three years and Amybeth for ten months. I’ve known Rob through his work as an elected official in Fairfield and his work at the State government level. I’ve known Amybeth as a fellow member of the Board of Finance. Both candidates are good people, family value oriented and care about our community. Using a football field analogy, politically I’d put Amybeth close to her own end zone of the Republican Party, and Rob on his own 40 yard line of the Democratic Party. Rob Blanchard is far more the moderate candidate.

Aside from more experience and moderation there is another important reason I support Rob Blanchard, he already has established influence in Hartford. Combine that with the State Senate seat as a Democrat, we have the opportunity to negotiate and potentially secure a greater DAS new Middle School (presently being studied) reimbursement. The DAS (Department of Administrative Services) percentage is the percentage of $$ the State reimburses a municipality for building a new public school. Presently, Newtown has a 27% DAS reimbursement rate for a new public school. The rough estimated cost of a new Middle School is $135 million. The experience and skills of elected officials is important, particularly at the State level. For Newtown taxpayers it can translate into tens of millions of tax dollar savings, plus. We have seen such influences in Fairfield and Torrington.

My choice is Rob Blanchard for State Senate.

These are my own opinions.

Please vote on November 3rd or earlier, if possible.

Thank you!

Jim Gaston

Newtown