An Opportunity To Read The Charter

To the Editor:

At last, the people of Newtown will be able to read the charter proposed by the Charter Revision Commission, in its entirety, in this week’s Bee. I encourage you to read it thoroughly with particular emphasis on the major recommendations made by the Charter Revision Commission. These include: 1. Creation of an independent Board of Finance elected at large; 2. Veto power for the first selectman over the budget, special appropriations, and ordinances; 3. Elimination of the Board of Selectmen, giving the first selectman the singular authority to manage this town’s affairs and be held accountable; and 4. The requirement that the first selectman prepare a long-term strategic plan for Newtown and report annually to the electorate on its progress.

At the end of the printed Charter are the five questions that will appear on the ballot in November. If you feel as I do that it is time for a change in the way the government functions in Newtown, then I urge you to vote “YES” to all these questions.

William Sheluck, Jr

36 Greenleaf Farms Road            September 26, 2001