To the Editor:

Republicans believe that strong values are the cornerstone of how effective governmental bodies can move forward.  In 2011 and 2013, Republicans, led by First Selectman Pat Llodra, campaigned on and laid out core values and goals that continue to guide and inform our decisions today. Your Republican team feels they should focus on these topics for the next two years:

Continue to Address the Residential Tax Burden

Although Republicans have focused on operating our local government as efficiently as possible, there are still challenges ahead: reduce spending which reflects the reduction in enrollment;  lower town debt; expand on combining town and school “like” services for better efficiency, transparency and savings.

As Newtown’s largest employer, the “Cadillac Tax” surcharge of the Affordable Care Act will cost the Newtown an additional $800,000 to $1,200,000 beginning in 2017-18.  While the regulations are not yet complete, Republicans continue communicate this program with state and federal officials

 Excellence in Education

Tax dollars need to be invested where they impact teaching and learning most. Republicans support: educational initiatives for students presented by the BOE; updating our district strategic plan; an operating budget that will pass on the first vote; the critical mental health needs knowing that federal funding is declining.

Expansion of Recreational, Social and Cultural Opportunities for All Citizens

Opportunities to connect with people creates a strong sense of community making us feel like there is a greater purpose than just our own circle of friends.

Republicans think it’s important to: invest in removing more buildings at Fairfield Hills; move forward on building a community center; invest annually in open space; improve Eichler’s Cove; support improvements at CH Booth Library and Edmond Town Hall; support Dickinson Park improvements; re-turf the high school stadium.

Community Safety

Safety is of paramount importance in Newtown: provide suitable and state of the art facilities for our police department; continue to evaluate our school and town safety procedures; continue to invest in our roads.

Address Newtown’s Changing Demographics

Since 2006-07, the school district has lost over 1,000 students and the medium enrollment projection shows a future loss of around 1,000 by 2025. According to a publication from “Partnership for Strong Communities,” our senior population ages 65 and over will increase by 51 percent as compared to 2010 data.

Republicans believe it is important to: continue to expand programs that benefit seniors including improving our existing Senior Tax Relief Program; support an appropriate place for our seniors to gather; conclude our town and school facilities discussion and implement the most appropriate and efficient recommendations.

What do Republicans Think?

Strong and effective leadership is needed at all levels of government to address these challenges. We believe that our Republican team has the skill set, experience, commitment, and the higher level of understanding needed to effectively address the challenges.

On behalf of the Newtown Republican Town Committee,

Carey Schierloh

Secretary, NRTC

6 Shady Rest Blvd., Sandy Hook   September 23, 2015