Democratic

Or Autocratic?

To the Editor:

Newtowners applauded the decision by the selectmen to appoint a Fairfield Hills Review Committee that would gather creditable data to support or deny portions of the so-called master plan for Fairfield Hills. With the bond money depleted and the reuse of this magnificent land a divisive issue, the review committee was appointed, convened, and went to work. However, at its first meeting, the first selectman proposed reserving the duplexes for town-related agencies, one of which would be Kevin’s Community Center.

Some members considered this only a proposal and dutifully asked about costs and benefits to the town and realized that quite a few acres were being allocated for this proposal before the review committee had an opportunity to consider other options. To execute this plan, electricity, water, and sewer lines must be put in place. The town is placing itself in the role of a developer and landlord with the corresponding responsibilities associated with that role.

The five-year capital improvement plan includes $350,000 in Year 1 for this infrastructure. November 8, the Fairfield Hills Authority (FHA) reviewed a lease draft agreement with Kevin’s Community Center. Under the ordinance created by the Legislative Council, the Board of Selectmen can execute any plan it wishes for Fairfield Hills. It needs only to convince the Board of Finance and the LC to provide the funds. Such autocratic power was granted to the Board of Selectmen by a Legislative Council ordinance. However, the selectmen are required under Public Law 07-218 to conduct a public hearing to inform the public of the terms of the lease, but the public may not vote on the issue.

Similarly, two of the selectmen have conveyed their displeasure with the school board for even considering all-day kindergarten. This long-planned expansion of educational opportunities to all kindergarten-age children has been waiting for space for years. The anticipated decreasing school enrollment provides the opportunity for this important program to be instituted. As the US struggles to catch up with other countries whose students outperform ours, more instructional time in the early years offers an opportunity for starting children off better prepared.

The selectmen haven’t been forthcoming about what they would do with a closed school building, but indications are it would be used for recreation, senior activities, police station, etc. No conversion or renovation costs have been made public or what the cost might be in 15 or 20 years to reclaim the building for a school if needed. November 8, the Board of Finance voted 4-1 to support these actions of the selectmen.

If you believe the Fairfield Hills review process should not be preempted and that the Board of Education should make educational decisions, plan to attend the next Board of Selectmen meeting on November 15, at 7:30 pm in the meeting room at Newtown Municipal Center. It’s our town, speak up and express your opinion. That’s the democratic way.

Ruby Johnson, PhD

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                   November 10, 2010