IPN’s Top Ten

To the Editor:

Top Ten Political Moments IPN Wants Us to Forget:

10) Espousing transparency, open communication and working together, but not allowing additional Board of Education or Board of Finance members in the teachers contract negotiations.

9) Advocating and voting to remove the local bus company from the school district busing contract in favor of an “out-of-town” corporation.

8) Advocating and voting to spend an additional $6 million rather than rebidding the high school expansion.

7) Contacting the State of Connecticut regarding Fairfield Hills and the work being done, costing the town over $100,000.

6) Advocating to extend our decades-long bonding practice from 20 to 30 years that would cost the taxpayers millions in additional debt.

5) Advocating for economic development and a stable tax base, but voting to remove $92,000 funding from the Economic Development Commission.

4) Advocating for the acquisition of open space purchases, but voting to remove the funding for land acquisitions in the 2009-2010 operating budget.

3) Advocating that the town dip into reserve accounts to fund “pet” expenses despite the fact that the ratings agencies warned against that practice, risking a ratings downgrade.

2) Propagating and distributing misleading newsletters and emails regarding the town’s reserve or “Rainy Day Fund” under the title of “Newtown isn’t as broke as we would be lead to believe” during budget time to create a “sky is falling” panic.

1) Advocating “Vote No” on the town’s budget in a misguided attempt to force an increase in education spending.

Tom Catalina

59 Butterfield Road, Newtown                                October 19, 2009