To the Editor:

I strongly support the Editor of The Bee for having done his homework and encouraging Newtown voters to vote Yes for our Five Referenda on the ballot. Basically, they involve our essential High School Roof, the Library HVAC, the Community Center Pool, and bridges.

For me, the Referenda votes are no brainers. If you vote No, you will be voting for the closing of the High School, the Library, the Community Center, and Bridges. Without the high school roof, which is already leaking, you risk continued water deterioration and potential injury liability. Without the HVAC the library ceases to operate and the Historic records and artifacts are at risk. Without the Community Center bonding for the HVAC and the sinking pool structure, the Community Center closes.

More importantly, basic Economics 101 dictates that the Trump tariffs wars will likely sink the American economy. The stock market has already plummeted and GDP growth is predicted to go negative next quarter. The result, higher interest rates that will make bonding and construction costs much higher.

As to the Town and Education budgets, there is no fat in either of them.

The Board of Finance bipartisan vote cut the budgets to the bone. Legislative Council found nothing further of substance. If the vote fails one of the only places to go for cut are roads and first responders.

We have already learned our lesson on cutting the road budget line. Some 15-plus years ago, when the budget repeatedly failed, significant cuts were made to the roads. The roads went into significant disrepair to the extent the town had to eventually bond road repairs to catch up.

Twenty year bonding for the 10 year life of a road is not smart finances, though it does reflect a more costly desperation. The proposed town budget adds one additional police officer. This department has been short several officers for several years. Not having the adequate number of first responders puts our family’s safety at risk. A town budget failure will likely see that position eliminated.

Bottom line, please vote “yes” for the referenda and budgets. They are bi-partisan and are essential for Newtown.

These are my own views and not necessarily of any Board or Commission upon which I sit.

Please vote “yes” on April 22.

Thank you for your kind attention to this important matter.

Jim Gaston

Newtown