Best Choice Or

Best Friend?

To the Editor:

The nominating committee for the Republican Town Committee recently interviewed my wife for the town clerk’s position. The position will be opened in the near future due to the retirement of the present town clerk. My wife, who has 19-plus years as an assistant town clerk in Newtown, was not endorsed by them; instead they chose the person with two-plus years of experience.

Their choice in my opinion was strictly political and has nothing to do with who is most qualified. I guess politicians do not look at quality, just who’s their friend and who’s related to whom. I’ve spoken to many people, both Republicans and Democrats who feel the same way I do.

Even though the Republican Town Committee won’t be endorsing my wife, there’s still a chance that the Board of Selectman, who have the final say, will choose the most qualified person for the position. If not there’s always November.

Lastly, I’d like to apologize to my wife for pushing her to submit her name for consideration. I, like many others, thought it was the most logical choice, but she kept telling me she would not be considered because the next town clerk was already handpicked by the present town clerk.  

Jim Shpunt

13 Serenity Lane, Sandy Hook                                        May 19, 2007