First off, Election Day is behind us and The Newtown Bee extends its congratulations to its local state contingent of Representative Mitch Bolinsky, Representative Marty Foncello, and Senator Tony Hwang on their respective re-elections. The staff of The Bee looks forward to continuing its working relationship with them, bringing news from our state government to readers in Newtown.

As to nationwide elections, which have been some of the most contentious and partisan in recent memory, let’s remember that we are all Newtowners and all Americans, and to not turn that nationwide vitriol inward. Newtown stays a good and healthy community when we realize that we’re all in this together, regardless of our political beliefs. Kudos to elected officials like Mitch Bolinsky, who on his letter page made sure to mention that he is there to help and stand for all his constituents, whether they voted for him or not.

Hwang also spoke against division, saying, “This type of discourse — filled with labels, assumptions, and even social media bullying — does more harm than good, eroding public trust in public service and our collective sense of community. How do we move forward and change this divisive culture? I believe it starts with resilience, kindness, and connection.”

Wise words from our local senator.

Another item that recently crossed the news desk was an investigation of seemingly deceptive advertising practices of manufacturers producing allegedly bulletproof school supplies.

According to recent reporting from The New York Times, manufacturers of such products, including bulletproof pencil cases, binders, and backpack inserts, have touted certification by National Institute of Justice, which neither tests nor certifies school products of any kind. Blumenthal is urging the FTC to take action, as these false marketing claims may give parents a false sense of security and potentially divert resources and attention away from solutions that are proven to help keep kids safe.

“While it is tragic that school supplies that purport to protect our children from gun violence in the classroom are necessary, at least 139 instances of gunfire have occurred on K-12 school grounds so far in 2024 alone. Eager to protect their children, parents are paying high prices, such as $185 for a pencil case and $149 for a ‘bulletproof backpack insert.’ And costs are even higher for school districts: Desks marketed as bulletproof can cost up to ten times the price of a standard desk,” wrote Blumenthal in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan.

“These unsupported claims of US government approval suggest that these companies are interested in profit, not children’s safety,” Blumenthal concluded. “I ask that the Commission investigate these companies to determine whether any unlawful, unfair, or deceptive advertising practices are taking place. Parents deserve better than false promises of security for their children.”

In addition to calling for an FTC investigation, Blumenthal wrote to more than a dozen companies that have made seemingly deceptive advertising claims, seeking information about the safety and certifications of their products.

Shame on these companies for taking advantage of parents and schools systems looking to protect some of our most vulnerable residents — our children. Making a profit is one thing, exploiting people who are looking to avoid tragedy is completely different and beyond the pall.

As reported on page 1, the Town of Newtown is looking to add a new full-time position to the Public Works Department. While everyone’s budgets are tight and adding full-time positions to the town budget may seem like not so good an idea this year, some positions actually save the town and taxpayers money. With longtime Public Works Director Fred Hurley looking to retire in a few years, and Hurley wearing so many hats within his department and being in charge of so many things, getting him additional help will create much greater efficiency within that department. With more staff, situations like the deficit in the sewer budget that caused rates to be raised by 9% possibly could have been avoided. With many building projects and building repairs looming that could cost the town millions, an extra pair of eyes and hands and an extra brain being applied could easily mean millions in savings. The Newtown Bee looks forward to working with a new Public Works staffer.