A Community Of One

To the Editor:

Webster defines community as “a group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists.” Newtown is “distinct” from other towns. It’s steeped in history, long in vistas, and rich in good, hard-working people. What I think is important to remember is that we are a community of one. All of our interests are important.

Much credit goes to the Legislative Council for allowing the people of Newtown to decide whether we will have a financial or political budget. The people have spoken and the Legislative Council has cut another $1 million. Between the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council more than $1.6 million has been cut from the budget, more than $1.175 million from the schools.

I read, with interest, the April 23, 2003, letter sent to the Board of Finance and Legislative Council members by Kevin Fitzgerald of “The Concerned Citizen of Newtown” group. His letter indicated that budget cuts would have to be “near $1 million and possibly $1.25 million before the budget will pass.” Budget cuts now exceed the $1 to $1.25 million.

With this budget the schools will be significantly impacted. There is support in both the Legislative Council and the Board of Finance to significantly increase tax relief for those longtime senior residents of Newtown. This is an important issue that needs to be revisited. My only fear is that further cuts in the budget would result in the practical deconstruction of Newtown’s schools and support for further tax relief for those who need it most would wane. In other words, we won’t be able to address either issue properly. This would just be wrong.

I hope to see the town vote as a community. There are no “them” and “us.” There is only “we.”

Jim Gaston

18 Main Street, Newtown                                             April 30, 2003