Legislative Council Has Too Much Power

To the Editor:

Over the past several months, The Bee has reported regularly on the deliberations of the Charter Revision Commission. In these articles, the proposed changes in Newtown’s government have been described extensively. Some individuals, including members of the Legislative Council, have expressed surprise at the extent of the changes being considered by the commission. In fact, some people have asked the question, what’s wrong with the government we have now?

The current controversy surrounding the 5/6 school and the possible delay of the council’s approval until the fall provides the answer to this question. The Legislative Council is willing to incur additional costs of up to $1.3 million in order to package the bonding of the 5/6 school with estimated expenses related to the purchase of Fairfield Hills. (Or if the Legislative Council goes ahead with the 5/6 school vote in June, will they insist on packaging it with the purchase of Fairfield Hills using questionable “guesses” of the financial impact of Fairfield Hills?) It is clear to me that the Legislative Council has too much independent power. There is no other government body in town that can provide the citizens of Newtown with an independent assessment of the financial ramifications of the council’s possible delay on the 5/6 school vote.

One of the recommendations of the Charter Revision Commission – the creation of an independent board of finance that will oversee the town’s finances, in conjunction with the finance director – is just what the people of Newtown need. This board would provide us with a financial perspective regarding the town’s needs. While we cannot speculate what a board of finance would propose regarding the bonding question, it is likely this government body would provide an independent financial assessment of the ramifications of such a decision. The council could certainly overrule any decision by the board of finance, but the citizens of Newtown would hear an independent voice. As it stands today, the finance subcommittee of the council can recommend a course of action to the council and then participate in the vote that would decide that course of action. Whatever became of a system of checks and balances?

Regardless of what happens on the 5/6 school or Fairfield Hills, I believe it is time for a change in the way Newtown is governed. When the Charter Revision Committee finalizes its recommendations, the people of Newtown should vote for an independent board of finance and carefully consider all other changes the Charter Revision Committee presents.

Sincerely,

Amy L. Winterroth

36 Greenleaf Farms Road, Newtown      April 16, 2001