To the Editor:

I am writing today to urge my neighbors to please vote “yes” on referendum questions 5, 6, and 7.

There is a real danger that if we do not give the Town permission to issue bonds to cover these critical infrastructure projects, the library will shut down, the Community Center pool will shut down, and parts of the high school roof will continue to degenerate and create a safety hazard that may cause portions of the building to close. This is serious stuff. These projects literally cannot be put off.

Although I’m in favor of all the referendum items, I’m particularly concerned that those of us who want to vote “no” on one or more of the town and school budgets will vote “no” on every item on the ballot.

When you get your ballot, please pause and make sure you carefully consider the infrastructure questions. This is not simply “more spending,” but truly is long-term investment needed now to save important community institutions. These are not luxuries or “nice to have” items. The costs for these projects do not come down over time, and higher amounts will have to be considered later. Please reflect on the impact to all of us, and vote “Yes.”

Peter Schwarz

Newtown