Letter Made Erroneous Assertions

To the Editor:

We, the members of the Board of Selectmen, voted at our meeting on Monday, June 2, to take the unusual but necessary step of responding to a Letter to the Editor. We did so because Ruby Johnson’s letter in the May 30, 2003, edition called our honesty and integrity into question.

The board has on file a letter from the town clerk that indicates that the assertions by Mrs Johnson are incorrect.

1. Copies of the HMA report presenting five themes for the reuse of Fairfield Hills were in fact distributed at the June 6, 2001, town meeting as well as presented in a slide presentation by Mr Harrall.

2. The report was also given to the Legislative Council, of which Mrs Johnson was a member, for the May 23, 2001, meeting.

3. The resolution introduced by Councilman Borst at the May 29, 2001, council meeting, regarding Fairfield Hills, was the same resolution in its entirety as the resolution introduced and approved at the June 6, 2001, town meeting. The charter and bond counsel required the council and town meeting to approve the same resolutions.

The council minutes only include the title of the resolution –– that is why they use “entitled” in the motion, but the full resolution, including the words “in substantial accordance,” was attached to the minutes.

The first selectman found all of the items in the town clerk’s office very quickly with the help of an assistant town clerk. Mrs Johnson’s research was clearly in error which led to very serious accusations which we hope she will retract. To avoid such occurrences in the future, we suggest verification of the facts prior to submitting a letter. This will better serve the interest of the people of Newtown.

Sincerely,

Joseph H. Bojnowski, Selectman

William A. Brimmer, Jr, Selectman

Herbert C. Rosenthal, First Selectman

45 Main Street, Newtown                                                  June 4, 2003