To the Editor:

I have had the good fortune of raising my family in Newtown for the better part of the last thirty years. During that time, I have served as the Chairman of the Public Building Committee, a member of the Board of Education, and most recently as the Chairman of Charter Revision Commission. In each of these endeavors, my commitment is and has always been to improve the quality of life in Newtown.

In my experience on the Charter Revision Commission, I had the pleasure of working with six individuals of diverse age, experience and political affiliations. To say that we were all of one mind would not only be inaccurate but an injustice to the hard work undertaken by each of the Commissioners. We engaged in a lively debate of the issues that was always courteous and respectful of our individual views. Although many of us differed in our opinions on the best course for Newtown, the recommendations contained in our report are the considered balance of them all.

To that end, almost all of what we proposed was passed by consensus or near unanimity.

Our most contentious issue, the vote to eliminate the Board of Finance, was passed 6-1. The Commissioners concluded that an appointed body recommending fiscal policy would be better chosen by the Legislative Council through ordinance than ordained by a Charter Revision Commission.

The remaining recommendations bring efficiency and balance to the functioning of the many Boards and Commissions which run our town. I encourage all voters to read the Charter Revision Commissions Final Report posted on our website.

newtown-ct.gov/charter-revision-commission-2021

In an era of entrenched politics, the product of this Commission was a refreshingly bipartisan undertaking. It is the best reflection of a unified Newtown, working together to achieve better governance.

I urge you to endorse this effort and support the proposed revisions to Newtown’s Charter.

Andrew Buzzi, Jr

Newtown