Questionable Claims

To the Editor:

It was disappointing to read Anna Wiedemann’s letter, “No Grand Conspiracy” [Letter Hive, September 28]. Mrs Wiedemann criticizes Gary Davis for accusing Peter D’Amico of postponing his project in 2003 so that Mr D’Amico could then proceed with the Newtown Youth Academy at “warp speed” in order to coincide with Mr Rosenthal’s attempt at reelection in November 2007. How could her perception be so twisted and misguided?

The “warp speed” Gary Davis alludes to is credited to the approvals by Fairfield Hills Authority and Mr Rosenthal. Based on meeting minutes from FHA and Board of Selectmen, here is the timeline: On August 15, 2007, Bob Geckle informs FHA that a lease for a “not for profit” sports facility is in progress. No previous mention of this facility is noted between January 2007 and July 2007. On August 29, Walt Motyka of FHA recommends that the BOS enter into a ground lease with Newtown Youth Academy. He also recommends that the BOS request to amend the master plan to include NYA, additional parking, and designate an area next to NYA for Parks and Recreation. At the September 4 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, David Grogins, town attorney, states the lease has been approved by FHA and he is working out the final details of the lease for the BOS. At the September 20 meeting of Planning and Zoning Commission, representatives for NYA presented modifications for parking for the NYA.

It is at this meeting that Gary Davis publicly and graciously commended everyone affiliated with Newtown Youth Academy for this wonderful gift to the community. I, along with members of Parks and Rec, FHA, and other members of the public, witnessed this statement. In fact, in the letter referred to by Mrs Wiedemann, Gary Davis acknowledges “the generous proposal by Peter D’Amico, who at his own expense is constructing a new athletic facility, the Newtown Youth Academy.” I am confounded by Mrs Wiedemann’s eloquent advice that Gary Davis should have said “Nice job Herb” and “Thanks Pete.” I believe Mrs Wiedemann should take some of her own advice and do a little research before making questionable claims. It is she who has “soiled a wonderful gift” through her own remarks. She has completely missed the point of Mr Davis’s letter, available at www.independentpartyofnewtown.com, to look beyond the “window dressing” of progress at Fairfield Hills and back to the realization that for $21 million dollars we will have an unlit baseball field, nature trails, a few demolished buildings, and of course, a new town hall.

Anna Wiedemann is a Democratic candidate for the Board of Education (unopposed for the two-year seat), a Rosenthal appointee to the new Long-Term Planning Commission, and longtime supporter of the current first selectman. As for her promise that Mr Davis, and his Independent Party of Newtown, has lost her vote, I am sure we never had her support to lose in the first place.

Respectfully submitted, Gianine Crowell

Treasurer, Independent Party of Newtown

26 Canterbury Lane, Sandy Hook                               October 3, 2007