To the Editor:

When I first heard that Owen Carney had decided to run for the office of first selectman, I felt that Newtown has a great opportunity to elect a very capable and diversified individual. I met Owen through the Police Department, where he and my husband worked.

During the 20-plus years I have known Owen, I have come to respect his actions and sound judgment I believe he is a very capable candidate for the office of the first selectman.

These past years have seen many changes in Newtown. The changes affected not only the public, but also meant many changes at the Police Department. Owen was there for those changes. He always seemed to know how to handle the challenges involved.

While I was a paralegal student, Owen and I would debate different court rulings and laws. He always amazed me with his brainstorming and knowledge and application of the law. He has the ability to see many different aspects of the problem and solutions to dealing with them.

Over the years he has had countless hours of training and practical application in emergency preparedness. With the crisis of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent terrorist activities, I believe that Owen would be a tremendous asset to the town. Everyday it seems that things in the USA are changing. Owen is someone that is up to those changes.

He is an honest and dependable man, who would be very capable of guiding our town into the future. I am proud to know him and encourage you to support him.

Leslie Brokaw

30 Walnut Tree Hill, Sandy Hook    October 29, 2001