A Candidate’s Open Letter

An open letter to the people of Newtown:

We extend our appreciation to the people of Newtown for a great campaign season. To all those who kindly opened their doors when Bill knocked, those who offered us words of encouragement and support at school or church or stores or the transfer station, to the countless numbers who called or emailed Bill with thoughts and encouragement, to the many who made financial contributions and those who helped in a variety of ways –– we are extremely grateful.

We have done our best to get out the message that Newtown government needs to be inclusive, that land has to be protected, that we must manage our tax dollars efficiently, and that the status quo just isn’t enough.

Along the way, we ached –– especially for our three young daughters –– as their father was so vehemently maligned. We attempted to protect them from the tirades of these venomous, totally untrue remarks that we adults all know to be “dirty politics.” We did not sink to that level and never will. We can hold our heads high that we have done the right thing –– we have not thrown mud because our high ethical values would never allow us to do such a thing.

On Tuesday, if you decide to cast your vote for Bill, know that an honorable man with impeccable business credentials and high moral principles will be getting your vote. He will bring his experience and his ethical standards with him to Town Hall and will do his utmost for our town.

With appreciation,

Amy and Bill Sheluck

36 Greenleaf Farms Road                                        October 28, 2003