Balancing Resources And Spending

To the Editor:

I think Paul Lundquist has it right in his letter to The Bee, September 18 [Letter Hive, “No Place For Negativity”], that most Newtowners are “quite happy with their lives here in town.” Sure, when invited by me in door-to-door conversations to pose questions or concerns, some folks cite the themes of taxes, education, Fairfield Hills, senior tax relief, and more. Those conversations are interesting and well informed and are typically framed in the overall context of, “We love it here but wish we (Newtown) could or would...”. Not much doom and gloom, but general focus on moving toward a future that sustains or improves the quality of life in our fair town.

That is not to say that all is well and no changes or improvements are needed. Clearly, we need to better understand and plan for significant current and future capital needs. We must more aggressively pursue strategies for overall cost containment, matching those strategies with resources. Better and more tax relief for seniors has to also be on that agenda, especially as our demographics suggest a significantly expanding senior population. And support for educational excellence is a constant and worthy theme, as are other quality of life issues such as the library, recreation, and open space.

But, caution and care must be exercised more than ever before as we seek a better balance between resources and spending. The long view and incremental progress may well replace the “do it now and pay for it later” mentality. I have learned that lesson and suspect that many others have too. To concur again with Mr Lundquist, this economic turmoil shapes our attitudes and values now and into the future.

Pat Llodra

Republican Candidate

For First Selectman

90 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook                         September 21, 2009