Welcome To The Democratic Process

To the Editor:

I wish to express my appreciation to the Board of Education for their recent approval of a new policy which allows public discussion of nonagenda items during the public participation session at their meetings.

The Board of Education’s decision in this matter was unanimous, and I am especially appreciative of board member David Nanavaty whose apparent reformation was stunning, since he so adamantly opposed such change during his reelection campaign. He was quoted in last week’s Bee saying, “I think anyone who’s willing to sit here as long as the board is, should be given the opportunity to talk about anything they want.” Way to go, David, and welcome to the democratic process.

Hopefully, the rest of the board will be able to convince Mr Nanavaty that a response by the board to some of the questions or statements posed by the public is also a good idea.

George Caracciolo

Schoolhouse Hill Road, Newtown                            January 21, 2008