Webbe Will Serve Easton Well

To the Editor:

As Easton anticipates its town election Nov. 8, I wanted to share my perspective on , a write-in candidate for First Selectman.

I first met Robert in 1968 as a teacher at Lake Forest Academy in Illinois. What a refreshing experience it was to be in an academic community with this vocal, articulate, zesty, highly energetic student during his four years of high school.

Robert brought enthusiasm, candor, tenacity, and humor wherever he went on campus—to the classroom, the gridiron, the rink, to social action projects.  He succeeded admirably in a highly competitive college preparatory academic program. In football, as his coach, I witnessed first hand his grit and team mentality. It was fun to watch him develop into an extraordinary hockey player.  In any competition, athletic or social, solid sportsmanship was always his goal.

In 1970, a classmate of Robert named Joe Garcia was terribly injured in Chicago while defending a fellow citizen from criminal assault. Near death, Joe had suffered multiple stab wounds requiring months of complicated surgery and treatment. Joe had no insurance. Seeing the need, Robert stepped up as student leader of a major effort to raise monies to defray Joe's medical costs. The campaign (I was the faculty liaison) required speeches, events, press interviews, travel, a huge amount of time and energy—with Robert, now a 16-year-old Academy junior, as the focal point and leader. He made it all happen, in the process raising $70,000 for his needy friend—not an easy task in 1970, let alone today.

My point in providing this background is to give the citizens and residents of Easton reassurance that Robert Webbe, write-in candidate for First Selectman, is truly a hard-working, disciplined team player with well-honed skills, strong values, and deep compassion.

One of the joys of the academic life is the chance to watch an exceptional student, athlete, and person continue her or his development as time passes. My wife and I live in Danbury and have appreciated following Robert's career over the years and reconnecting with him and his family since their arrival in Easton.

Easton is fortunate to have Robert as a resource. In my soul and experience, I know that this is a good and decent man—with his heart in the right place.

I can recommend Robert Webbe as a community leader with my highest enthusiasm and confidence. He will serve you—and serve you well.

John B. Cheeseman       
Headmaster Emeritus
The Wooster School