To the Editor:

With regard to my comments about the road bonding resolution at the Town Meeting on Monday, the article appearing this week missed the main point of my concern. I said that I would vote for the resolution because of the deplorable condition of the roads due to budgetary underfunding over the last ten years, and even more dramatically over the last six.

My main point is that recurring expenses such as resurfacing roads should be adequately funded in the operating budget rather than bonded. I stated that I was concerned that this practice not be repeated in the future as we could be paying off 20 year bonds long after the paving will have to be replaced.

Contrary to the comment about me by Selectman Rodgers, there was nothing “disingenuous” about my assertion that approximately 70 percent of the bond funds will be allocated for resurfacing of roads rather than for reconstruction as confirmed for me that evening by Public Works Director Hurley.  In fact, there is nothing in the bond resolution language that would prevent 100 percent of the funds from being allocated to resurfacing.

Sincerely,

Herb Rosenthal

70 Main Street, Newtown                 July 8, 2015