Exercise Your Right To Vote

To the Editor:

On April 24, 2001, we once again have the right to exercise one of the most fundamental responsibilities in this country, to vote. Although I personally am disappointed again with the cuts made to the Board of Education budget, I realize that this is the first part of the budget that will be cut again if the overall budget is defeated. Don’t let the frustration with the current system turn to apathy. Do something, get involved, change something, run for something, but don’t give up. The first thing you must do if you support quality education in Newtown is vote. Vote yes. If you don’t vote you are saying you don’t care, and you have given up the responsibility of having some say in how your children are educated.

On another note the Legislative Council, on April 25, 2001, the day after the referendum will discuss the possibility of postponing the 5/6 school project to wait for Fairfield Hills to be ready. Please attend this meeting and speak up. I believe that the majority of the town supports both items, and voting on them separately will not change that; however, the school project is ready, Fairfield Hills is not. The school is needed now. It is already late, it has already been delayed. The cost has already increased due to that delay and our schools are more crowded due to that delay. I cannot speak for the entire group of education supporters but I feet that Fairfield Hills is a fantastic opportunity for the town and I will support it once there is something to support. However I fail to see the connection to the 5/6 school which is ready and necessary now.

In closing, those of you who claim to be in support of quality education in Newtown, vote on the 24th, don’t leave it up to someone else. Also show up and speak up on the 25th to support the 5/6 school now.

Joe Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook                                  April 11, 2001