Packaging Issues Is Unfair

To the Editor:

The upcoming bond issue, the largest in Newtown’s history, is an important event facing each and every one of us. Two extremely important issues are involved – the 5/6 school and the purchase of Fairfield Hills. Unfortunately, we are not being given the opportunity to truly decide what we feel is in the best interest of our town.

If we want the new 5/6 school for our children, and no one can argue against the necessity of this, then we must also accept Fairfield Hills whether we want it or not. The reverse is also true. Packaging two extremely important – and expensive – issues such as these into a single vote is totally unfair to Newtown’s citizens.

In addition, although the details of the 5/6 school, including its bottom line, are known, the same does not hold true of Fairfield Hills. Mr Rosenthal has said in the press that lead paint and asbestos remediation can cost “as much as $10 million.” How firm is this figure? Is there an environmental company that has agreed to this remediation project for an amount not to exceed $10 million? Until we have a bottom line for Fairfield Hills, as we have with the 5/6 school, how can the taxpayers be expected to make an intelligent, informed decision on the matter? We can’t! We are being cheated out of making a good decision on each matter on its own by packaging them together. These are completely separate issues, and should be voted on separately.

Further, we should not be rushed into hasty decisions. Voting on a bond issue now on the 5/6 school is fine; but any vote on Fairfield Hills should be delayed until all the facts and figures are known.

Finally, Mr Rosenthal is quoted as saying: “We’re all one, and we’re not going to have factions in town voting for one project over another.” In essence, he is taking away our right to think and decide what we want for our town.

Sincerely,

Owen Carney

81 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook                        February 18, 2001