Disappointed In My ‘Bee’
To the Editor:
I was disappointed to find two articles and an editorial ink drop on the front page of last week’s Bee taking a negative tone and striking at an opportunity to promote “disagreements” and “squabbles.” It is shortsighted to look at the professional, polite exchange of thoughts and opinions during town meetings as something negative. Discussion, questions, and reflection are part of how we learn from one another and become open to new ideas.
The tone of what I read appeared to associate a negative “national mood around politics” to the recent efforts of local boards to get organized and begin their work. It’s a shame. This narrative fosters divisions in the community while we are trying to come together.
I look forward to conversations and at times debate about issues that are important to our community. The back and forth witnessed during the initial meetings should not be viewed as negative agendas and squabbles coming to our local boards. These are deliberative bodies which represent diverse points of view. It is democracy at work, and I suggest providing the volunteers on town boards with the time and space to find consensus.
I’m not aware of any town business that was negatively impacted by the initial proceedings of the Board of Finance or Legislative Council. We are all neighbors, working together for the first time. Part of the process getting started is to make choices which will impact the next two years. Nothing has been “Derailed” as the front page called out. Diversity of opinion is healthy and at times, an effort to strive for unanimity may leave a minority opinion underrepresented. The important thing to witness is a demonstration of respect for one another knowing we are all present to serve.
There is a memorable quote that has been attributed to Morgan Freeman, “Just because I disagree with you doesn’t mean I hate you. We need to relearn that in our society.” How about avoiding language which stokes unwarranted negative thoughts and conjures up ideas that it is difficult for people to handle the town’s business even if approaches come from opposite sides on an issue?
These views are my own and do not represent those of the Legislative Council of which I am a member.
Tom Long
Newtown
Editor’s Note: As reported in the December 15, 2023 front page story concerning the Board of Finance, that board’s meeting was adjourned without completing the rest of its posted agenda following a 3-3 deadlock over electing a chairman. The Newtown Bee stands by the wording of the headline stating the meeting was “derailed.”
Maybe just a little partisanship at play. Saying it doesn’t exist in Newtown doesn’t make it so. Perhaps that why 50% of registered voters are Independent/unaffiliated and lets admit under represented on town elected and appointed boards and commissions.
I agree, the articles were promoting division.