Â 'Unity In Diversity'

By SHANNON HICKS

Published: Jul 02, 2010 12:00 am

Â âUnity In Diversityâ

Unity In Diversity, a cable television program that provides an education in learning about oneâs neighbors, especially through a clearer understanding of their religious heritage, spiritual values, and everyday life, airs each Monday at noon and Wednesday at 5:30 pm on Charter Communications Channel 21.

On July 5 and 7, the guest will be the Reverend Jeff Schultz, pastor of The New Life Church of the Nazarene.

Subsequent programs and their featured guests will be July 12 and 14, âThe Meaning of Bahaiâ; July 19 and 21, the Reverend Timothy Crowley from Central Christian Church in Danbury; and July 26 and 28, Father Luke Mihaly from Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church.

The program producer and host is the Reverend Leo McIlrath of Sandy Hook, coordinator of Corpus Christi: An Ecumenical Catholic Faith Community. Comments can be sent to LionOfJudah56@hotmail.com.

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Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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While I respect the outcome of the referendum, I’m disappointed by the way this budget was presented and passed. A 6.72% tax increase and a mill rate jump to 28.78 may have been framed as “just a few dollars a day,” but for many families in town — especially those already stretched thin — those “few dollars” add up quickly. It’s frustrating to see large increases minimized in this way, and I worry that next year we’ll hear, “It’s only a little more than last year,” as if that justifies an ongoing trend of rising taxes. This year’s combined municipal and education budgets total over $141 million — that’s a significant sum.

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All of the referendums deserve to be pasted. We have a history of deferring needed maintenance and then paying more years later. These are required to keep our town owned building and roads in working condition.

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Every vote matters and that’s exactly why it’s important to recognize that voting No on a proposed budget is not a vote against Newtown, but rather a vote for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Last year, when voters rejected the education budget in its first round, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it resulted in a reduced spending plan that ultimately passed. That outcome showed that our voices can and do make a difference. Voting “No” is one of the few tools residents have to encourage our town leaders to re-evaluate spending, find creative solutions, and prioritize needs over wants. So yes, please vote on April 22—but don’t be afraid to vote “No” if you believe we can do better. Last year’s vote proved that when residents speak up, real changes can follow.

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Breaking the tax increase down to a “cost per day” may make it sound more palatable, but it minimizes the real impact these increases have—especially on those already struggling with rising costs across the board. A dollar here and a dollar there adds up, and for many families, it's not just about the price of a cup of coffee—it's about stretching every dollar to cover groceries, fuel, healthcare, and housing. A 6.72% property tax increase is significant, regardless of how it’s framed. Saying “it’s only $1.13 a day” overlooks the fact that for some residents, every expense matters. Just because costs are rising doesn’t mean the burden should automatically fall on taxpayers without exploring real efficiencies, cost savings, or long-term planning. We need to prioritize fiscal responsibility and find smarter ways to manage our town’s needs without assuming residents can or should absorb another round of tax hikes.

Is Our Community Worth $1.67 Per Day?

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Â 'Unity In Diversity'

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