Get Out In Force And Vote

To the Editor:

I urge the Newtown voters to vote Yes for the budget in support of the decision of the Legislative Council to better balance the economic and educational needs of our community by proposing a restructured budget that will result in a tax increase of 2.5 percent with $200,000 restored to the education budget (rather than the 3 percent proposed for the first budget referendum and 2.4 percent proposed for the second referendum). The difference between 2.4 percent and 2.5 percent is less than $9 per year for an average home in Newtown ($500,000 market value).

The Legislative Council members thoroughly reviewed and discussed the budget for the third time and responded to the call of constituents who desired increased funding for education while at the same time proposing a tax increase that is 0.5 percent less than the first budget proposal to address the economic situation. The superintendent reported to the Legislative Council that Newtown school budget increase is one of the lowest in the region.

The historic Legislative Council decision to restore funds after a failed referendum was made after carefully assessing voter sentiment (expressed in emails, phone calls, and comments made at the budget deliberations) and in attempt to seek voter approval of the 2010-2011 budget after two failed referenda. Without any effort to unify the education supporting voters, it would be difficult to approve the budget.

Two years ago, the voters approved the budget by a margin of 1,098 votes and the high school expansion project by a margin of 1,336 votes. Last year, the voters approved the budget by a margin of 1,330 votes. I have always believed the large voter approval numbers demonstrated the desire of Newtown voters to support education and town services.

I believe a very large voter approval number is necessary on June 8 to demonstrate once again that Newtown voters will continue to support education/town services and we are committed to restoring the Blue Ribbon Status for our schools to provide quality education for our children (and to protect our property value).

There are rumors that many (particularly those unhappy with the $200,000 restored to the education budget) are working to defeat this budget hoping for more cuts therefore it is crucial that everyone who supports education and town services get out and vote Yes on June 8. I urge everyone to get out in force and participate in this vote and please use the absentee ballots available at the town clerk’s office at the new town hall.

Once the budget is approved, we can immediately shift our energies on improving the broken budget process.

Po Murray

38 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook                              June 2, 2010