Disappearing Democracy

In Newtown

To the Editor:

“Just powers are derived from the consent of the governed.” Sound familiar? Not in Newtown!

The people have spoken. They want to preserve much of beautiful Fairfield Hills as open space for the people of Newtown to enjoy, using the remaining acres for recreation, education, cultural arts, and municipal services. This week, the selectman-appointed FFH Authority announced its decision to utilize the entry plaza and surrounding area for business development along with parking facilities. In every poll conducted over the past six years, economic development at FFH has been the last choice of the voters. Even the poll of the consulting firm (HMA) found the same results.

If you can answer Yes to the following questions, Newtown is ready to absorb the influx of new people moving into town to take jobs at FFH.

1. Do you have a reservoir of unemployed workers?

2. Do you have appropriate housing available for the anticipated workers?

3. Can the existing highways carry additional traffic?

4. Are there empty seats in the school classrooms to absorb more students?

5. Are municipal services adequately housed, equipped, and staffed? (CT State Statutes: Vol 2 Sections 7 & 8)

The answer to all these questions is No, but the selectmen and the authority ignore these facts and plunge on with their plans to destroy and ravage the land at FFH.

Real democracy percolates from the bottom up; not top down by officials who remain in office year after year. Arrogantly, they ignore the wishes of the people. The editorial in The Bee last week focused on the need for a new system of choosing candidates to allow unaffiliated voters to be heard. Another reader warned the sewer treatment plant might be nearing its capacity. Others have spoken of the desire for real long range planning, a town manager, separate votes on school and municipal budgets, and the dire need to begin construction of a new high school on a site large enough for the unknown needs of 2025!

Members of Trout Unlimited understand the importance of the preservation of our land and water. “Deforested years ago for agricultural activity…what grows back is invasive…it kills maples, oaks…” Regarding parking lots, “Because of hard surfaces the water does not sink into the ground…it’s warm hitting the stream right away and not soaking into the ground.” (The Newtown Bee, June 30, 2006) In contrast, playing fields at FFH and parks, managed properly, preserve the land for future generations and avoid acres of blacktop parking.

The Newtown we celebrate at our Labor Day Parade is disappearing. FFH is one symbol of the sickness that pervades our community when a chosen few believe they know what is best for the rest of us. Top down democracy destroys our way of life. Real democracy bubbles from the bottom up.

Who will come forward to restore democracy to Newtown?

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Rd, Sandy Hook                      July 12, 2006