Mudslinging… Already?

To the Editor:

After reading the Letter Hive of July 24, it appears that a few of our candidates for office are already in full mudslinging mode. Do we really need to go there again with this election? Is it my imagination or is the mudslinging almost always from an IPN candidate that appears poised to point fingers first and offer their own specific ideas for solutions… well, almost never.

The latest round of mud has targeted the Board of Finance. I think it is their turn in the rotation. I have often wished that the BOF’s decisions on budgets had been less severe over the years, but when over 10,000 registered Newtown voters don’t vote at local elections, our elected officials must deal with the reality of what those who do vote are telling us with multiple failed budgets in the last ten years. Just as I have wished that our own household budget could rise substantially every year for that new car or a nice vacation, we have to live in the reality of our ability to remain solvent and in good standing for the future. We have to appreciate and preserve all that we do have, both personally and as a town. That is what the BOF has tried to do and obviously most people are in support of their decisions since there are not many lined up at the door to run for those offices.

So, can we please move on to reading in detail about all of these fresh new ideas that candidates can offer Newtown, should they be elected? I genuinely am interested and concerned to see where we will be in the next 10–20 years. Continually looking back over our shoulder won’t move us in a positive direction. I think that continually looking back over our shoulder alters our path and makes us move in circles.

Sarah Beier

7 Yogananda Street, Sandy Hook                                   July 29, 2009