Engel Has Ear to the Ground

Editor, Advertiser,

I am writing this letter in support of John Engel for Selectman. John is a person who's involved himself in the town of New Canaan for many years. By way of example, he's a regular at the New Canaan Advertiser coffees; but what's important for voters to know is that he's attended the coffees for years. Informed citizen first, John sees being selectman as a way to effect change, rather than a political endeavor. John is a civic leader with an indisputable downtown presence; it was no surprise to see the letter of support signed by so many merchants. Anyone in town on any given weekday will likely see him somewhere. He's a man with his finger on the pulse of New Canaan and the town will do well to have his thoughtful perspective and keen business sense in the Office of Selectman.

Mike O'Neill

Engel Thinks Without Bias

I am a realtor in town, active in the Republican party, a Saxe mom, and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. It is in that context that I urge you to vote for John Engel for Selectman. Anyone who has been to a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting knows that John comes prepared, takes a very active role in the discussion, and approaches each case with thoughtful consideration and without bias. Vote for John Engel this Tuesday.

Laura Edmonds

Engel: Integrity and Perseverence

Editor, Advertiser,

I was John Engel's roommate in college and best man at his wedding. Two words sum John up: integrity and perseverance. I saw John confronted with issues that might compromise his integrity. Each time he did the right thing. Faced with choosing dubious, short-term gain versus doing what's right, John always chose what's right. John never gives up. I remember a 1991 letter he wrote to me from Saudi Arabia where he was serving as an Army officer during the First Gulf War. Things were bleak: US forces were poised to enter Kuwait and they did not know exactly what they would encounter. It was frightening but John never waivered. Under enemy fire, John's unit moved through sandstorms and oil field fires until they liberated Kuwait City.

New Canaan will be well served with John Engel as Selectman.

Robert A. (Andy) Nilsson

Engel Has Intimate Town Knowledge

Editor, Advertiser,

As a third generation resident, graduate of the New Canaan schools, Rotarian and business owner in New Canaan, I urge you to support John Engel for Selectman. Both candidates have managed large budgets and negotiate on behalf of their clients every day. What cemented my support is John Engel's intimate knowledge of downtown and real estate issues that are such pressing issues for the town.

John's skills and experience will benefit our downtown immediately. He will bring new businesses (just as he did recruiting School of Rock to New Canaan) that energize our downtown and benefit our tax base. John knows our local business's history, and will advocate for our town. John knows and understands the wide range of issues in the town through his day to day involvement over the past 33 years. He brings not only a longer, but a broader perspective to the job than his opponent.

Scott Hobbs

Recent NCHS Grad Supports John Engel

I grew up and graduated from New Canaan public schools this Spring, experiencing New Canaan’s change these last few years, particularly the loss of something in our downtown.

I don’t take for granted that the Gramophone will always be there, or that Waveny will stay a park. Will New Canaan remain the same town I love? My NC roots are why I identify with John Engel’s candidacy. John is third generation New Canaan, worked in Mead Park, Baskin-Robbins and Walter Stewart's. He knows New Canaan fundamentally better than Nick Williams. John is a businessman, parent, veteran and, like us, an alumnus of New Canaan High School. To the Class of 2011 this is an important distinction. He knows first hand what is being lost, and will restore some of what is essential, bringing back some life to my town.

Lauren Ross

A Vote for Engel is a Vote to Energize Downtown

I am the manager at Athletic Shoe Factory in New Canaan. A vote for John Engel is a vote to energize the downtown.

Engel is an experienced local businessman who understands what it means to be a small business. I feel comfortable talking with him to understand a lease or make changes to improve our business here.

Engel is an innovator, not a politician, willing to think outside the box to revive our downtown.

Engel is accessible because he works here every day, not just on weekends. We see him at the Athletic Shoe Factory and know that this is a priority for him beyond the election season.

We need a selectman like Engel.

Chris Sanford
The Athletic Shoe Factory
Forest Street, New Canaan

Business Owners Support Engel

Editor, Advertiser,

We are all local business owners in New Canaan. A vote for John Engel is a vote to energize the downtown. Engel is an experienced local businessman who understands what it means to be a small business. Engel is an innovator, not a politician, willing to think outside the box to revive our downtown. Engel is accessible because he works here everyday, not just on weekends. We see him in our stores and restaurants and know that this is a priority for him beyond the election season. Engel is positive. He is focused on how we can work together to improve our village. Engel will focus on the downtown.

Michael Lamaker, Lamakers
Jack Trifero, The Gramophone Shop
Geoff Sigg, Pennyweights
Seth Leifer, The Filling Station Company
Art Kean, Mobil
Jim Berry, Mackenzies
Ann Chou, The Canaan Parish Sweet Shoppe
J. Gadzik, Sallea Antiques
Dorothy Mann, Dorothy Mann
Diane Roth, L'Amoire
Lucy Brown, Energy Saver
Daniel Bern, MacKenzies
Mr. Qahir, New Canaan Gulf
Susan Langfor, Soleil Toile
Ron Rosenfeld, New Balance
Carmen Carbos, Salon Kiklo
Nicole Yannien, DWR Consignment
Denise Friess, DWR Consignment
Melissa Lindsey, Pimlico
Damien Togridis, New Canaan Shoe Repair
Chrissy Smith, Aqua Spa
Wendy Diamond, Taylor's Luggage
Kathy Blankenship, Vineyard Gardens
Alicia Taylor, The Linen Shop
Reid Iannazzo, Reid's Country Cupboard
Karen Witmann, The Silk Purse