Children’s Interests

Trump A New Town Hall

To the Editor:

I just returned from the Legislative Council’s open forum, which centered on Fairfield Hills, a new town hall, and the state of disrepair of our schools. I have only two thoughts to add to the most eloquent statements made by more than a handful of Newtown’s citizens. A vast number of Newtown residents will never be able to voice their opinions; and, yet, if given the opportunity, I am quite certain they would be unanimous in their decision. Furthermore, their decision would be virtually unbiased, selfless, innocent, and pure. They, (un)fortunately, are all under the age of 18.

This group of residents has no use for a new town hall; nor do their parents, or grandparents. Until there are wireless networks in each school; until there are computers in each classroom; until there are playgrounds and adequate recreational facilities at each school; until there are athletic facilities for children, their parents, and their grandparents; until there is proper heating and ventilation in our schools; until the words “disrepair” and “overcrowding” are eliminated from the Board of Education’s vocabulary; until each school has a roof and a permanent foundation, rather than cinder blocks; until all of these issues are resolved, the vast majority of residents in this town have no use for a new town hall.

Additionally, I respectfully challenge our first selectman, and the entire board, to debate the needs of a new town hall and the needs of the school system with either of my two sons, ages 5 and 8. I sincerely invite him and the board to look my children in the eyes — speak directly to all the children of this town — and explain why they think a new town hall is in their best interest. While I can remain complacent with regard to my own rights, I cannot stand idly by and watch a self-interested, wasteful, and tainted process trample the rights of my children — all my children.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Auerbach, MD

19 Canterbury Lane, Sandy Hook                            February 8, 2007