Charter Revisions

Are Right For Newtown

To The Editor:

I am honored to have served on this year’s Newtown Charter Revision Commission. The process has been tremendously challenging, and after much research and deliberation, we believe the revisions we propose are right for Newtown – today and in the future.

This week, the Legislative Council, which appointed our commission, began its review of our proposals. I am impressed with the sincerity and commitment of Legislative Council members as they started that review. There was a major effort to hear opposing viewpoints and to decide, as much as possible, by consensus.

From listening to the council’s discussion, there appears to be considerable agreement on many issues. Council members, of course, also had reservations about some proposals, especially strengthening the selectman’s position and reconstituting a Board of Finance.

One council member suggested that the entire proposal be placed before the voters — with extensive communications provided about the pros and cons of each change.

As a member of the commission, I know that a strong selectman and a separate Board of Finance are integral to the charter revision. If the council cannot endorse the major charter revisions, I hope it will see fit to pass them through in total to the voters of Newtown for final consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Sharpe

Newtown Charter Revision Commission

Underhill Road, Sandy Hook                                       July 18, 2001