Why Quarrel With Success?

To the Editor:

During the 18 years I taught sociology at Newtown High School, my message to students was this: culture changes; you can be agents of change. Members of the Independent Party of Newtown are doing what I urged students to do. A group of citizens has organized to create change. That’s the essence of democracy. For this I applaud them.

Every voter wants what the IPN’s platform pledges — accountability, checks and balances, and transparency. Under the current Democratic leadership, we already have it.

Accountability: The IPN platform promises a “long-range plan that provides a vision for the community.” However, a plan is already in place that has resulted in the following:

1. Purchase of over 1,000 acres of open space. Removal of this land from development results in tax savings.

2. Increase in Newtown’s bond rating twice in the last five years to AA2, saving $750,000 in taxes.

3. Economic development that includes the extension of the sewer line to incorporate Liberty, The Homesteads, and the Woods at Newtown. This generates $3,000,000 in annual tax revenue. In addition, corporate, office, and commercial buildings have been or will soon be constructed.

4. Voter approved purchase of Fairfield Hills in 2001 and construction of a new municipal and school office building. The Fairfield Hills Task Force created a long-range plan of development that includes open space, recreational facilities, commercial establishments, as well as town and school offices. When it’s completed, Newtown will have what it now lacks — a genuine town center.

In addition, public officials are accountable to voters every two years. If Newtown citizens are dissatisfied with the current direction, they can vote leaders out of office.

Checks and Balances:

1. Contrary to IPN charges that the Fairfield Hills Task Force has too much power, its authority is limited and has always been controlled by the Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council.

2. Citizens have opportunities to participate in planning through membership in several ad hoc committees that report to the Board of Selectmen.

3. The Selectmen and Board of Education budgets are approved by both the Board of Finance and Legislative Councils, and then submitted to voter referendum.

4. At town meetings, citizens discuss and vote on major town purchases.

Transparency:

1. The meeting dates, agenda, and minutes of town boards, councils, commissions, and committees are posted on the Newtown website where any interested citizen can read them.

2. Concerned voters can attend board and council meetings, and speak during the time reserved for public participation.

3. The Newtown Bee reports discussions and decisions at board, council, and some committee meetings.

4. Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowski will spend as much time as any voter needs. They listen well and explain town issues in a straight forward, fact-filled, and honest manner.

John Kenneth Galbraith said, “Why quarrel with success?” If the administration of Herb Rosenthal and Joe Bojnowski is already accountable, operates under a system of checks and balances, and is transparent, why change it?

Sincerely,

Jan Lee Brookes

Democratic Candidate for Legislative Council, District 3

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                         October 16, 2007