A Small Price To Pay

To the Editor:

Did you know that the average Newtown taxpayer contributes only $5 a year to open the world of musical expression to our children? If the April 22 budget referendum is defeated, the outstanding fourth grade orchestra program will be gone forever. Isn’t it worth a mere $5?

Did you know that all sports programs at the high school cost the average taxpayer only $42 a year. If the April 22 budget referendum is defeated, we will fail our children by encouraging “idle hands” and a generation of couch potatoes. What is worse, if the activity fee is raised to cover these sports, we will create an elitist group –– only those whose parents can afford outrageous fees, will be allowed to participate. (Currently, 63 percent participate.) Aren’t our sports programs worth $42 to you?

Did you know that one additional learning disabilities teacher will cost the average taxpayer only $5 a year –– and do wonders for the children who will benefit? If the April 22 budget referendum is defeated, we will fail to offer the 12 percent of our children in special education the tools they need to help them integrate into the mainstream education process. Isn’t that achievement worth $5?

Vote Yes on Tuesday, April 22, because in the final analysis, it’s not about numbers, it’s about children.

Sincerely,

Amy Winterroth Sheluck

36 Greenleaf Farms Road, Newtown                           April 14, 2003