Disappointed By Selectmen’s Vote

To the Editor:

If what I read in the online version of The Newtown Bee was correct, I am disappointed that the Board of Selectmen voted (2-1) not to allow the high school expansion appropriation to go to referendum. I am disappointed that the Board of Selectmen meeting (March 17) agenda was not posted on the town website so that members of the community could be made aware of the potential vote.

I read in The Bee that two of the selectmen have been contacted by a “surprising number” of taxpayers who oppose the proposal. My disappointment is not in those taxpayers, but rather in the selectmen who chose to act on those conversations instead of sending the proposal to referendum. I have to believe that there are many taxpayers who have not had the privilege of conversations with the selectmen. I have to think that the votes of those taxpayers count as well. I do not presume to know whether or not this proposed high school expansion would pass a referendum; however, I do believe the people should be given the opportunity to vote. The community deserves that much.

Stacie Doyle

16 Clapboard Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                     March 19, 2008