To the Editor,

I was dismayed by DTC Chair Mr Paradis’ letter of August 19, 2021, in which he uses and manipulates another letter written in support of Mr Dan Rosenthal. That letter supported Mr Rosenthal on the basis of his actions and principles and not his political party. Mr Paradis then spins that letter to focus on politics and attempt to score points for the Democratic party.

Let’s be clear: I believe Republicans support Dan Rosenthal precisely because he operates with conservative principles, not the tax and spend ideals of the Democratic party.

There is no staying the course here. Dan Rosenthal has left the Democratic Party by his own choice. Other Democrats are doing the same. Last week, Danbury Democratic mayoral candidate John Esposito lll departed to join the Republican party. In his statement, he said, “I didn’t leave the local Democrat party. The local Democrat party left me and my family, as it has for so many others.”

The accomplishments pointed to by Mr Paradis were not achieved solely by Democrats in Newtown. It took clear thinking and strong advocates for conservative ideals to temper the whims of the majority rule. Consider the development of the school opening policy in Newtown last January. That would not have happened had not active conservative citizens taken the lead pointing out problematic issues created by the BOE, and offering solutions for how to mitigate them to get our children back in school.

Mr Paradis goes as far as to suggest a Democrat, Maureen Crick Owen, is required in order to have a steadfast advocate for all residents. This is just preposterous. Republicans and members of other parties clearly advocate for all residents all of the time.

If Mr Paradis wants to discuss the benefits and proven track record of Democratic majority party rule, let’s look at the facts after three decades of majority Dem rule in Connecticut:

1) Connecticut is ranked #50 or dead last in economic growth in the country.

2) #2 highest tax rate in nation

3) Among the highest taxpayer indebtedness of any state

4) Zero personal income growth in 2020

5) No recovery from the financial crisis of 2007/08. Connecticut employment and GDP is still below pre-crisis levels and is the only state that finds itself in that predicament

6) One of lowest housing appreciation rates in nation

7) Ranks in the bottom 20% of states to retire

8) Highest energy costs in the USA

9) Soaring crime rates and teen crime

In 1992 Connecticut was ranked the #1 economy in the nation.

I believe Newtown Republicans chose to endorse Dan Rosenthal because, like Dan, Newtown Republicans put a priority on what is good for Newtown. In my opinion, Mr Paradis’ actions belie the very spirit under which Dan has operated — namely, without regard for political affiliation but rather with a view toward what is best for the town.

While I serve as co-chair of the Newtown Republican Town Committee, the comments and opinions expressed herein are mine alone.

Respectfully submitted,

William DeRosa

Newtown