Return To The Voting

Booth

To the Editor:

As a group we, the members of IPN, celebrate the efforts to follow our platform providing transparency in government so that each citizen can evaluate the need for accountability and checks and balances within our community.

IPN has made available board meeting minutes, letters to The Hive, and newspaper articles covering the span of years before and since the establishment of IPN via our website www.ipn2009.org. This site offers every visitor the opportunity to be informed regarding discussions, board decisions, and the direction of community projects supported by our taxes, while reflecting individual voices and group voting.

Two Legislative Council members from IPN, Po Murray and Gary Davis, were able to bring discussion topics to the table that may have otherwise been considered unnecessary. One prominent issue, initiated by Gary Davis at the October 1, 2008, Legislative Council meeting, was a review of the Fairfield Hill Authority Ordinance. Ms Murray stated, “We are taking the people out of the equation.” After some discussion, the meeting minutes show that only Gary Davis, Po Murray, and Chris Lyddy were in favor of sending the FHAO to the Ordinance Committee. And so regardless of unwavering dedication to improving government, two council members are not enough to propel discussion into action. As in any political system, the majority rules, and the Democratic and Republican Parties continue to hold the majority. In order to affect change, the dynamics of the Legislative Council, Board of Selectmen, and Board of Finance must shift.

For this to happen, we need you, the voter, to come forward on Election Day.

Embrace the return of choice in Newtown. For those who have abstained from voting in silent protest, it’s time to return to the voting booth. For those seeking an opportunity to shift the political landscape of the decisionmaking bodies in Newtown, it’s time to return to the voting booth. And for those who only vote in national elections, your town awaits your vote.

Finally, you have a choice. The Independent Party of Newtown is offering an outstanding slate of candidates willing to vigorously advocate for you. Make the right choice by supporting the entire slate of Independent Party candidates on Row C.

Sincerely,

Gianine Crowell

26 Canterbury Lane, Sandy Hook                            October 26, 2009