A Front-Row Seat

In Town Government

To the Editor:

In 2007, I was elected to the Legislative Council following a campaign characterized by charges of poor leadership, lack of transparency, deficiencies in long-range planning, and few checks and balances in town government; these are some of the same issues raised in this election. During nearly two years of service to Newtown, I’ve had a front row seat in how town government operates. This is some of what I’ve learned.

1. Almost all elected officials I’ve served with or who have preceded me are deeply committed to and working hard for Newtown. For example, former councilwoman Peggy Baiad advocated tirelessly for passage of a noise ordinance, a project which she had advocated while in office. I’m hopeful that the council will adopt the noise ordinance in November.

2. Because notice of every town meeting, its agenda, and minutes must be posted on the town website, it’s hard to hide much information. Reporters from local newspapers attend meetings, even of subcommittees, and write informational articles. The council’s Communications Subcommittee worked with Charter, and the town’s and school’s information technology departments to ensure that all public meetings will be televised once the new municipal office building is opened. In addition, the council’s Ad Hoc Facilities Committee is supportive of creating a larger pool of information about the delivery of maintenance than presently exists. If voters want information, it’s already available, or will be soon.

3. The Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development is posted on the town website. Plan goals are listed in the executive summary; preservation of community character, conservation of natural resources, open space, housing, economic development, community facilities, and transportation. The executive summary states, “Each goal is backed up with an Action Agenda that specifies recommended actions, and assigns responsibility for implementation.” This may not be a strategic plan, but it’s pretty close.

4. If one looks at a diagram of town government, the Legislative Council appears to have the final authority over both the town and schools. In reality, by the time an issue comes to the council, it’s been vetted extensively. Although the council studies issues further to determine their political feasibility, the council usually affirms the hard work already done by Newtown’s commissions and boards. Even ordinances, the one unique province of the council, are often first proposed by a town department. In other words, there already are many checks and balances.

As I sat in front row seat, I learned that some areas of government need improvement; however, many are working far better than I had expected. Certainly, new people with fresh ideas are vital to the continuous improvement of town operations. However, leaders who’ve served Newtown over time provide essential experience and continuity. Choosing the hardest working and brightest from each group will give Newtown the balanced leadership it needs and deserves.

Team Newtown, the Democratic slate of candidates, provides the right mix of innovative ideas and experience for Newtown’s future.

Sincerely,

Jan Lee Brookes

Democratic Legislative Council Incumbent-District 3

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                           October 28, 2009