A Very Partisan Community

To the Editor:

I am writing to correct an error, and clarify three points made in recent Letters to the Editor and an IPN Newsletter. Last week’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting was posted on the town website under the “Boards and Commissions” button. The Board of Selectmen web page states meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month at 5:30 in the library. And it is not surprising the meeting was well-attended considering it was the first of the newly elected board.

The IPN newsletter also omitted that Mr Mangiafico asked the selectmen to respond to the audience on the issue of the town hall, since so many had spoken about it. He offered his opinion and asked Mr Borst to respond. Mr Borst said he was not making any decisions, had not had time to look into the details, and that he wanted to visit the site. When Mr Borst would not commit to a specific timeline to resolve this issue, Mr Mangiafico said he would make a motion to go forward with the plan. At that time, Mr Borst responded, “That’s your problem.”

Mr Mangiafico was informed and articulate, relaying a long list of reasons supporting his position to move forward on the town hall as planned. I think for Mr Borst to say that he had not had time to look into the issue is unfortunate, since he had voted in support of the town hall for years on the Legislative Council. And since the town hall project was a major campaign issue, voters should expect him to be both informed and accountable for his previous support of the project as a council representative.

The first Legislative Council meeting also took place last week. During the first selectman’s report at that meeting, Mr Borst did not mention the resolution that passed two nights before at the selectmen’s meeting. He only informed the council that residential revaluations were being mailed that week. I do not understand why he would not report that decision given its history, but he must have had a reason. I attended that meeting and was hoping to speak to the issue, but was unable to since Mr Borst neglected to discuss anything about the town hall project in his report.

For the first time in recent history, we have allowed Newtown to become a very partisan community. Our meetings and communications are reflecting that. The jobs of our elected and volunteer officials are not easy. Let’s try to stick to the facts, presume a positive intent, and only measure others as we would be measured.

Thank you,

Sarah Beier

7 Yogananda Street, Sandy Hook                       December 12, 2007