Opinion: 'A Letter in Support of Experienced Leadership'

Editor’s note: Bethel Patch will accept letters to the editor on behalf of political candidates through Wednesday, Oct. 28. Email your letter to wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

A Letter to the Editor in support of Matthew Knickerbocker from Wendy Smith, Office Administrator, Bethel, Conn.

I love Bethel; it’s been my home for over 55 years. It’s where I was raised and where my husband and I chose to raise our children. Bethel is also where I have devoted my entire working career. I have worked in the Bethel Town Hall over 38 years, and I think I know how to judge a qualified First Selectman.

The Bethel I want to live in is led by someone with practical knowledge, expertise, experience, intelligence and has proven the ability to work with counterparts and colleagues. The Bethel I love is led by a team that cooperatively makes decisions on what is best for our community. The Bethel I believe in is led by someone who doesn’t make ridiculous, contradictory and immature statements on how the town should run and makes empty promises that cannot possibly be kept. I would think that someone running for this office would research what the First Selectman can do before making open ended, impossible comments. The Bethel I desire is led by someone who has the courage to tell people the truth, even when it is difficult. The Bethel I have devoted my life to is led by someone who has a vision for the future but keeps a realistic perspective on our finances, infrastructure and affordability, yet understands that sometimes, investing in our community is the right decision.

I believe Matt Knickerbocker and Rich Straiton are those leaders; their record proves beyond a doubt they remain the most qualified and experienced leaders to keep our town moving ahead. I’d like to see the current Board of Selectmen continue forward in their bi-partisan manner for the next two years; my personal belief is that they are one of the best Board of Selectmen that Bethel has ever had.

This November 3rd, I will continue to support Matt, Rich and Paul and I urge my friends, neighbors, co-workers and everyone who wants the best for our town to join me in supporting them.

Wendy Smith, Office Administrator, Bethel, CT