Letters

An Exciting Culmination <font size="3"> By Sarah W. Middeleer </font>

Published: Oct 03, 2016 12:00 am

To the Editor:

The Pootatuck Watershed Association wishes to thank our friends at CVTU and other volunteers for another successful work day on Deep Brook, September 24. The crews planted willows and elms to help protect the stream bank, spread spawning gravel at a tributary of the brook, and moved boulders in the stream to improve trout refuge. As a result of the fine work done by volunteers all season, the DEEP fisheries division delivered wild brook trout to the stream on September 27 in order to reestablish a healthy population of these native fish in the Wild Trout Management Area. This was an exciting culmination to the tremendous effort and support our volunteers have provided since June, for which we are very grateful.

Sincerely,

Sarah W. Middeleer

Pootatuck Watershed Association

PO Box 3303, Newtown ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ September 28, 2016

The Way We Were

Kathleen M. Yomazzo (November 29, 1942–April 16, 2025)

Water Every Where, But Not A Drop To Drink

Rock This Democracy To Hold Next Street Protest, Rally On May Day

Several Hundred Attend Vigil To Protest Recent Deportations, Support Due Process

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

While I respect the outcome of the referendum, I’m disappointed by the way this budget was presented and passed. A 6.72% tax increase and a mill rate jump to 28.78 may have been framed as “just a few dollars a day,” but for many families in town — especially those already stretched thin — those “few dollars” add up quickly. It’s frustrating to see large increases minimized in this way, and I worry that next year we’ll hear, “It’s only a little more than last year,” as if that justifies an ongoing trend of rising taxes. This year’s combined municipal and education budgets total over $141 million — that’s a significant sum.

Everything Passes: Budgets, Capital Projects Referendum Results In

All of the referendums deserve to be pasted. We have a history of deferring needed maintenance and then paying more years later. These are required to keep our town owned building and roads in working condition.

Vote “Yes” To Question #5 On Referendum

Every vote matters and that’s exactly why it’s important to recognize that voting No on a proposed budget is not a vote against Newtown, but rather a vote for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Last year, when voters rejected the education budget in its first round, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it resulted in a reduced spending plan that ultimately passed. That outcome showed that our voices can and do make a difference. Voting “No” is one of the few tools residents have to encourage our town leaders to re-evaluate spending, find creative solutions, and prioritize needs over wants. So yes, please vote on April 22—but don’t be afraid to vote “No” if you believe we can do better. Last year’s vote proved that when residents speak up, real changes can follow.

Get Out And Vote

Breaking the tax increase down to a “cost per day” may make it sound more palatable, but it minimizes the real impact these increases have—especially on those already struggling with rising costs across the board. A dollar here and a dollar there adds up, and for many families, it's not just about the price of a cup of coffee—it's about stretching every dollar to cover groceries, fuel, healthcare, and housing. A 6.72% property tax increase is significant, regardless of how it’s framed. Saying “it’s only $1.13 a day” overlooks the fact that for some residents, every expense matters. Just because costs are rising doesn’t mean the burden should automatically fall on taxpayers without exploring real efficiencies, cost savings, or long-term planning. We need to prioritize fiscal responsibility and find smarter ways to manage our town’s needs without assuming residents can or should absorb another round of tax hikes.

Is Our Community Worth $1.67 Per Day?

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An Exciting Culmination <font size="3"> By Sarah W. Middeleer </font>

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