Finding Common Ground

To the Editor:

Anna Wiedemann’s recent letter to The Bee [“Of Platforms and Platitudes,” Letter Hive, 8/14/09] incorrectly asserted that Po Murray and I tried to “nix” money for open space acquisition in the recent budget discussions.

During this year’s CIP discussions, Po and I were among six council members who suggested the Council consider reducing open space funding by 50 percent in response to tough economic times. This was one item, among many, that the council examined carefully during our deliberations. Ultimately, the council decided to include the full funding levels recommended in the CIP. We supported the final CIP, and Po and I have both supported every open space acquisition that has been brought forward to the Legislative Council.

I believe this open space program benefits Newtown. However, I will continue to question and challenge the levels of expenditure necessary to make this program effective, keeping in mind the other needs of our community. That’s what I believe responsible public officials are supposed to do.

Mrs Wiedemann mocked IPN for putting forth a campaign platform, providing an inaccurate interpretation of what she considers the “real” IPN agenda. As someone who helped author the platform, I can tell you that its focus is on better communication, better accounting systems, and better, more informative CIP and budget processes. It’s about creating an integrated strategic long-range plan to guide the decisions of our community. It’s about finding ways to strengthen the economic climate for our local businesses. It’s about keeping Newtown affordable while maintaining reasonable town services and an effective education system.

IPN may not have all the answers. However, IPN will foster an environment which engages more citizens and generates more meaningful discussion to find the answers based on common ground and understanding. And then the IPN candidates who are elected this November will act on those answers. Platforms are only platitudes when no action is taken.

Gary Davis

Legislative Council-District 2

23 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook                        August 19, 2009