Fairfield Hills — Reassess The Vision

To the Editor:

Several weeks ago, in the Editorial Ink Drops, there was a great discussion on how we should avoid finger pointing during this year’s election campaign. In general, I would agree with this. However, this should not prevent us from looking back at our actions so that we may learn from our mistakes.

I have almost 20 years of experience working for two Fortune 500 companies in various roles, including financial management, sales, and operations. Much like Newtown, these companies have had large capital spending budgets. Perhaps unlike Newtown, we are constantly reevaluating our past capital decisions, analyzing results of those decisions, documenting learnings from those decisions, and adjusting our course of action as dynamics change.

No finger pointing — the $21 million from the original bond issue allocated for Fairfield Hills (FFH) has been spent, as well as additional millions. We cannot go back and rewrite the past.

However, we can do a better job planning for the future. Now is the time for the elected officials of Newtown to reevaluate the path forward and take a fresh look at the current “master plan” at FFH. Are we satisfied with what we have received for spending more than $21 million? What will we now get for another $30 million that is being proposed in the current capital improvement plan? Does it meet the current needs and desires of the town? I would suggest it is very difficult to determine whether the current master plan makes financial or strategic sense because it appears to me the town lacks a strategic long-range plan. I fully support IPN Candidate for First Selectman Bruce Walczak’s proposal to temporarily halt future capital spending at FFH until the master plan is reviewed.

Having moved here a little over three years ago, I can assuredly say that I was disappointed with the turmoil surrounding the high school expansion and the new town hall, and particularly what was taking place at FFH. However, instead of throwing up my hands in frustration or shrugging my shoulders in apathy, I have been inspired to run for Legislative Council in District 2. Having moved my family five times throughout my professional career, I have been afforded the opportunity to see other thriving communities where a transparent government, with appropriate checks and balances, engaged in strategic long-term planning, has worked to bring communities together. This is the type of community I, and other IPN candidates, want for Newtown. I would appreciate your support on Election Day. To read more, visit us at www.ipn2009.org.

Mike Mossbarger

IPN Candidate for Legislative Council-District 2

2 Somerset Lane, Sandy Hook                            September 23, 2009