A Victory For Newtown And

Democracy

To the Editor:

Tuesday’s elections were remarkable in many respects. Joe Borst’s defeat of the seemingly invincible Mr Rosenthal grabbed the headlines, as well it should. IPN’s success in establishing itself as a major political force in just four months’ time was an equally improbable achievement, and one of which all members of our town, whether they supported IPN or not, should be proud.

I was honored to represent IPN as a candidate for Legislative Council and can assure you based on that experience that this amazing group of intelligent and dedicated citizens, spanning the full range of the traditional political spectrum, will be a tremendous asset to the town as we grapple with the major challenges ahead. From their positions on the town council, Po Murray and Gary Davis, our (now official!) party founders, will prove that “Accountability, Checks and balances and Transparency” were not merely campaign slogans but the basis for a fundamental shift in the way Newtown is governed. IPN member David Nanavaty (and, if he wins in the now pending recount, Bob Murray) will be similarly active in their efforts to improve our town and its government.

The fact that we were able to make such an impact (including the decisive delivery of hundreds of swing votes for Mr Borst) is a testament to the democratic process. It was not an easy achievement. There were many who feared and resisted such a change. And the fact that, unlike either major party, we chose to put forward an actual platform (!) left us open to attacks such as the spurious criticisms of our common-sense approach to the budget that appeared in this paper in recent weeks. Despite this negativity, the voters sent back an emphatic message: it’s time for a change. And this change, as the IPN platform stated clearly, must be backed by sound and comprehensive long-term planning and an open process of decisionmaking to create a vision that is understood and supported by the citizenry.

I appeal to the Democrats and Republicans who join our IPN representatives to work together as we start a new era of democratic government in town. Now that power is no longer concentrated in a few hands and there are many fresh voices to be heard, a far greater degree of dialogue and conciliation will be required to govern effectively. Meanwhile, we face major challenges with our schools, taxes, and the future of Fairfield Hills. IPN is here to help. Whether you agree with our positions or not, please believe that our efforts spring from a genuine desire to do what is best for the town and welcome us as vital evidence that democracy is alive and well in this great country.

Sincerely,

Benjamin J. Roberts

19 Farrell Road, Newtown                                       November 7, 2007