My name is Tom Englert and I am running with Tom Marsh for Chester's Board of Selectmen. I currently serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA). I have met many Chester residents during my eight years on the ZBA and five years on the WPCA and many others during our door-to-door campaign. However, I realize I am an unknown to many of the folks in Chester.

Born in Chester, I grew up in Deep River, attended Region 4 schools, and earned a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Case Western Reserve University. For many years, my great-aunt and -uncle operated Tilly's Rest near Cedar Lake and in 1996 I moved into the home I had built on that property. I have been employed with Whelen Engineering Company in Chester for 20 years as a computer programmer.

I believe the greatest challenge facing Chester is its budget. The revenue side, dependent on property taxes, has the ability to grow only 1.5 to 2 percent per year in a good economic climate while the expenditure side always presents greater upward pressures. As such, it is critical that we balance the demands of the community with economic reality and strive to achieve the greatest efficiencies and maximum value from every dollar spent. I agreed to become Tom Marsh's running mate because I believe that, as first selectman for the past four years, he has demonstrated and put into practice this principle. Together, working with all town boards, we can provide Chester with the leadership necessary to ensure continued fiscal responsibility.

I thank your readers for their time and their consideration on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Tom Englert

Chester

Tom Englert is the Republican candidate for Chester selectman.