Hear All Voices Equally

To the Editor:

I would like to share the outrage I am feeling as both a parent and a homeowner regarding the unilateral decision made by the Board of Selectmen to not approve the funding resolution of the high school expansion project. It appears that Mr Rosenthal and Mr Mangiafico have decided that the letters they have received from a few “squeaky wheels” supersede the input of the entire community that is achieved through the tried and true voting process of our democratic system. Did the selectmen consider the fact that they may not have heard from those in favor of the expansion because they felt their voices would be heard on election day?

Their decision to not move the expansion project to the public for a vote has the potential to seriously impact both the quality of education of our children will receive and the value of our homes. The quality of the educational system plays a major role in the decision process of many potential homeowners when selecting a community to call home. If the schools in Newtown lose their accreditation because of overcrowding at the high school, the desirability of the community will be negatively impacted. It is quite possible that the decrease in the value of one’s home will far exceed the tax increase needed to fund the high school expansion.

I feel it is imperative that the community is allowed to vote on the expansion project so all voices may be heard equally. Let’s not allow the decision of a few impact the educational and financial future of an entire community.

Sincerely,

Jill Tumney

6 Beagle Trail, Newtown                                               March 19, 2008