Charter Revisions:

What Newtown Is Looking For

To the Editor:

I am writing to voice my approval for the recommendations made by the Charter Revision Commission. Haven’t heard of them? Well you had better read their report because it will affect all of us who reside in Newtown.

The Charter Revision Committee has done extensive research and come up with an excellent report trying to add accountability and responsibility to the governing of Newtown. One of my favorite recommendations is a requirement for the first selectman to create a “Long-Term Strategic Plan” (minimum of five years) for the town. Another recommendations is to provide opportunity for individual voters to elect 50 percent of the members of the Legislative Council by allowing us to vote for three members from our district and three members at large. There are many more exciting recommendations that make it very important to vote “Yes” on November 6 for these changes.

The chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, Bill Sheluck, invites any Newtown groups or organizations to contact him if they would like him to come speak about the recommendations. I think everyone should take the opportunity to read the Charter Revision Commission recommendations and talk with Bill. Then take the time to call your Legislative Council representative to let them know that you want to vote on November 6 for these positive changes.

I have heard George Caracciolo, a commission member, ask “If we had no existing charter, what would we want the charter to look like?” This new charter is exactly what we are looking for in Newtown.

Sincerely,

Jill Bontatibus-Beaudry

36 Queen Street, Newtown                                        July 15, 2001