To the Editor:

It is a pleasure to write in recommendation of Jim Gaston, Sr. for Board of Finance. I have worked closely with Jim on the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses for many years.

As you know, for the past four years he has served Newtown as a Selectman during some of our most difficult times. Prior to that he served ten years as Vice Chairperson on the Board of Finance. He is a firm supporter of public education and for growth of the grand list, including smart commercial growth. He also supports strong historic preservation.

I agree with Jim Gaston that facts and evidence should come first. Jim did his research and obtained facts about the school closings, especially with regard to the possibility of closing Hawley School. I live in the Hawley school district and have for 55 years. I attended and graduated from Hawley School (at that time it was 1st through 12th grades) and my children attended Hawley as well. He researched and wrote the financially comprehensive paper about school closings and the economic impact upon the Hawley district and the town in general.

Fortunately Jim stood up to this rush to judgment to close a school. What was the rush?

As we move forward with schools, education, capital improvements and the budget, Jim Gaston will make sure we have the facts and evidence first and not personal agendas so that the decisions made will be in the best interests of the residents of Newtown.

I will be voting for Jim Gaston for Board of Finance on November 3. I urge you to vote for him too.

Sincerely,

Joan Glover Crick

7 Glover Avenue, Newtown              September 29, 2015