No Need For Another Poll

On Fairfield Hills

To the Editor:

Why do we keep grasping at straws?

It is clear to me that the people of Newtown voted against the master plan for Fairfield Hills for a variety of reasons, including “too ambiguous”; “much too vague”; “we don’t own it yet”; “we can’t afford it now”; among many. I could go on and on. When there are so many reasons why people don’t want something, that “something” has to change. The solution is not another poll. Why should we waste taxpayer dollars to find answers that aren’t there?

Our real focus should be on the “other plan” — the Plan of Conservation and Development. This is supposed to be our long-term strategic initiative that defines the parameters by which we will try to manage our town’s future. Shouldn’t we complete this plan before we try to define a course for Fairfield Hills? Shouldn’t we take title to Fairfield Hills, fully protecting the people of Newtown, before we spend more money deciding its future?

Let’s take it one step at a time. Even our first selectman has finally come around to the message I have been communicating for months in a number of ways. To quote him, “Let’s be deliberate.”

Sincerely,

Bill Sheluck

36 Greenleaf Farms Road, Newtown                    September 3, 2003