What’s Wrong With

Town Government?

To the Editor:

I’ve long believed that our town government needs to be improved. When I was on the Public Building and Site Commission, I observed, over the years, some things that just didn’t make sense. First there was the Fairfield Hills Master Plan with its unelected “Authority” controlling the development of the campus — how could the public participate? In a special referendum, the voters rejected the Fairfield Hills Master Plan, yet the plan was implemented anyway — is this “Democracy in Action?”

Then (February 7, 2007) when so many concerned citizens sought to stop the building of a new town hall, the first selectman said, and I quote, “If you don’t like what I’m doing, vote me out of office.” Is that governing with the just consent of the people? Recently the details of the master plan implementation emerged with a request for $30 million of additional expenses — is this fiscal discipline? Clearly Newtown’s government needs improving.

The questions I found myself asking over and over were: “Who actually runs Newtown and what role do the Political Town Committees play? What principles do the two town committees stand for?” Seeking these answers, I joined the Republican Town Committee in 2008 and began to witness first hand the appearance of collusion between the leadership of both town party committees. The proof is in the record. Most of our elected leaders have persistently supported a failed master plan, a plan that will continue to cost tax payers significantly more. Attempts to review the Fairfield Hills Master Plan have been stonewalled by our current town officials who have blocked every effort for charter revision and a timely review of the Fairfield Hills project.

Something is broken with Newtown government. Recall that Will Rodgers (R), chairman of the Legislative Council and a current candidate for selectman, opposed his own Republican first selectman by publicly emasculating Mr Borst’s campaign promise to fully review Fairfield Hills. Then Rodgers, Herb Rosenthal (D), and others tried to assign culpability of a failed Fairfield Hills implementation plan and the absence of revenue-generating leases to the first selectman. These things and more have convinced me that a small group — an oligarchy — runs this town with the full support of the Democratic and Republican Town Committees. Instead of two separate parties and meaningful choice, we effectively have a group of people dictating to the people of Newtown, leaving no opportunity for necessary checks and balances.

Fortunately, the Independent Party offers taxpayers a real choice this year with a full slate of candidates running on a reform platform of better government, fiscal responsibility and meaningful revenue generation. In the weeks ahead, hopefully, the other parties will present their position, allowing for meaningful debate. Remember, your vote this year couldn’t be more important. Visit us at: www.independentpartyofnewtown.com.

Bill Furrier

9 Erin Lane, Sandy Hook                                             August 19, 2009

(Mr Furrier is the Independent Party of Newtown’s candidate for the Board of Selectmen in this year’s local election.)