I am writing as a registered Republican to support the candidacy of Scott Gyllensten for selectman in Madison.

I first came to know Scott as my son’s Tiger Den leader. These boys were about six years old. In the most intense managerial challenge, the management of a room full of very young boys, it was quickly clear that Scott passed muster.

Four years later, I’ve come to know Scott, seeing him in action as a member of the Board of Finance. Scott was among the most prepared members in each of the meetings having to do with the education budget. He readily fielded residents’ questions, most often responding with exact numbers.

In the matter of the recent real estate appraisals that affected the taxes residents would face, Scott approached the matter with the seriousness it deserved. He was attentive to the impact the new appraisals would have on residents, and obtained a graduated method of tax increase.

As a banker in the area of risk management, Scott enables a large regional bank with Connecticut roots to soundly support businesses, institutions, governments, and individuals in being able to obtain revenue for investment and growth.

While we voters continually complain about mediocrity in leadership on every level, we can only avoid it if we are not ideologues pulling the party lever.

It’s important to note that until certain foreign policy decisions in the mid-2000s, Scott was a registered Republican. Like so many others, his decision to change parties in no way affected his demand for sound fiscal governance.

Last, while a man of numbers, Scott has vision and is forward planning. He’s not interested in bandaging things for a year, but how to create a better environment for every resident a decade out into the future and beyond.

Ed Pantano

Madison