Budget Passed;

Next Step, Restore Programs

To the Editor:

Thank you to all the people who worked so hard to get out the vote on this year’s budget. The overwhelming Yes vote, representing 60 percent of the votes cast, is a testament to what “we the people” can accomplish if we put our minds and hearts together for a common cause. And what is that cause? It is the right for all of us to enjoy the quality of life issues that brought us to Newtown in the first place.

To that end, much remains to be accomplished. As we all know, this budget does not meet the needs of our schools and our town. We must now focus on the requirement to restore the programs that have been eliminated from our schools and the town services that have suffered from reductions in this and previous years’ budgets.

Let’s build on this year’s results and maintain our momentum. This is no easy task and will require a year-round effort to make certain that our resolve continues to grow. I am confident that we will do whatever is necessary to ensure our success.

Sincerely,

Bill Sheluck

36 Greenleaf Farms Road, Newtown                          April 28, 2004