The Body Of Work

To the Editor:

It is important to consider the “body of work” when examining the basis for any major decision. This is true when a corporation decides to retain a CEO, when the Mets or Yankees decide to retain a manager, or when the electorate decides to retain elected leaders. The “body of work” of the Democratic administration which has led Newtown, headed by Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowski, has been noteworthy. They have led in a way that is productive, responsible, representative, and visionary.

Education is arguably the most important responsibility of the town. The focus of Democrats on the educational needs of Newtown has included support of both programmatic and facility needs. The need to house our burgeoning student population is addressed in a variety of ways including support of the construction of Reed Intermediate and designs for high school additions. Controlling the town side of the budget has resulted in an increase in the education budget to almost 70 percent of the total budget. In addition, this administration has directed the increase of tax relief for seniors from $30,000 when first elected to almost $1 million currently.

You only need to take a drive on Route 25/6 to see some of the examples of economic development in Newtown. At the North end of Route 25/6, the Hawleyville sewer lines have allowed the Mt Pleasant area growth of Liberty of Newtown, The Woods, and Homesteads, which will generate a combined $3 million in tax revenue. At the South end of Route 25, we see an improved Sand Hill Plaza, a “new” shopping center (including WaMu, Five Guys and Cold Stone), and a new shopping area to be constructed south of Sand Hill Plaza. Church Hill Road continues to have a face lift with construction and businesses conducive to the flavor of town center. Herb and Joe continue to guide Newtown through appropriate economic growth.

The administration has also assured public involvement in major areas of planning via numerous ad hoc committees. A few examples include: Town Space Needs Committee, Open Space Committee, Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee, and the Energy Task Force. These committees create an atmosphere conducive to effective and cooperative planning.

I am a Democrat because I believe that the Democratic Party stands up for the needs and rights of the “everyman,” “everywoman” and “everychild” both locally and nationally. I am a Democratic candidate for the Planning and Zoning Commission because of my beliefs in community service, Newtown, and the principles of the Democratic Party. I urge all Newtown voters to examine the record and positions of the Democratic candidates in depth, filtering out any political hyperbole. Please visit TheNewtownDemocrats.com for details. Then cast your vote on Election Day for the candidates of your choice. It is critical that eligible voters use their right to vote to assure representation reflective of the wishes of the people. Please vote to exercise your right and your responsibility as both a citizen of the United States and a resident of Newtown.

Richard English

Democratic Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commission

3 Curry Drive, Newtown                                                October 9, 2007