Newtown’s budget review process stands as a system of checks and balances to ensure the taxpayers can afford what the town government wants to spend. It is done by residents of the town who volunteer their time to serve on the Legislative Council, Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen, and the Board of Education (the only exception is the first selectman, who is a paid official). Individuals who serve on these boards and other volunteer organizations take numerous hours away from their jobs and families to serve the town.

It would seem to me that a person holding the position as chairman of the Board of Education would have a better concept of this. The chair knows she has considerable influence over a vocal group of people, and to attempt to incite their wrath against Newtown’s volunteers is inexcusable. Even more inexcusable is her choice of metaphor, especially at this time of the year.

The Board of Finance has done some excellent work in the past few years. They have educated themselves of the many requests they process. They have refined the CIP and instituted a spending cap to control our debt payments. Their actions have helped increase our credit rating, thereby lowering our borrowing costs. The task of separating the needs from the wants can be challenging, especially in the economic times we now experience. Just because a budget decision is unpopular with a certain faction, they do not have the right to subject someone to this type of behavior.

If some members of the PTA’s of Newtown are intent on “crucifying” John Kortze, I am sure there is a much greater majority of the taxpayers who would stand in line to thank John and his board for their efforts.

Michael Burton

107 Glen Road, Sandy Hook                                         March 13, 2010