Government Should Serve The People

To the Editor:

An angry mob descended on the Board of Selectmen meeting Monday night to defend their friend Carolee Mason, the not-yet-reinstated animal control officer. The group of about 30 residents expressed their anger and frustration over the way our government has behaved. One speaker asked: “Does it even matter that we all are here tonight? Do you even listen to anything we say?” Something is happening in Newtown, indeed across America. People are standing up to their representatives and saying: “Stop it!” More and more, we don’t like what our government is doing, we don’t believe our government cares what we think or say, and we are frustrated because our vote seems to count less and less. Really, what is happening is that many of us are losing all trust in our government! So what are the people to do?

The real problem is that our elected representatives have so often become arrogant. Believing that their incumbencies are safe from electoral swings, many have stopped caring for the interests of the people whom they represent. But people are finally figuring that out and they are expressing their frustration. The angry crowd at the selectmen’s meeting was an example of just that. While we have always believed that our government should serve the people, has it become the other way around?

People still want control over their local communities, and here in Newtown many of us have answered the call to form the Independent Party (IPN), and we seek your support. The primary thrust behind the IPN has always been our desire to restore credibility and trust back into Newtown’s government. This year, for more and more voters, trust will be the most important issue. Trust is born from credibility, and credibility must be earned. As newcomers into the political process, we in the IPN know that it’s our job to win your trust, and we’re doing that in several ways: First, we have consistently communicated our core values — transparency, accountability, checks and balances. Second, we point to the record of our four elected members who have worked tirelessly maintaining those values. Third, we will continue to solicit your input and communicate to you, in detail, our vision for how the community can accomplish our common goals, recognizing that a government’s power comes from the its people, and that those elected should be charged with the fair prioritization of community wishes and needs. And Fourth, that open and honest debate should be cherished and actively sought out.

This year, when so many have lost faith in our elected officials, we have put together a team of individuals that share our belief that “Government Should Serve The People.” Our trust in the people will perpetuate the people’s trust in government, for in a truly representative government it can be no other way. That’s our promise, our solemn vow. Your vote is important to us and to Newtown. Find out more about us at www.independentpartyofnewtown.com.

Bill Furrier

9 Erin Lane, Sandy Hook                                            August 26, 2009