Don’t Make Assumptions

About The ‘Silent Majority’

To the Editor,

Each week I read the articles concerning the state of affairs in regards to the town’s budget needs. Like many concerned residents of Newtown, I also attend meetings regarding the same matters. What bothers me to no end is the way in which some of our elected officials make assumptions about what they think we want and need. I specifically point to two members of the Legislative Council, Mr Rockman and Mrs Pilchard.

They both seem to think that there is a limit to what residents are willing to sacrifice when it comes to supporting our town’s budget. The idea that they know that the “silent majority” will not tolerate the types of budget increases that have been written about over the last few weeks is a puzzling one to me. If they are so confident that the budget will not pass, then why not let the process move forward? It would seem clear to me that they are not in tune with what the voters really want. Newtown has a great many needs; schools, town services, playing fields, municipal offices, Fairfield Hills, etc. It is time that these two individuals stop making decisions for everyone. In my opinion, they are voicing what their own concerns are and disguising it as the wishes of the so-called “silent majority.”

It is time for the town to move forward and put all of these items on the ballot “as is.” If Mr Rochman and Mrs Pilchard believe in the democratic process, which coincidentally gets them elected, then things should turn out just fine. They too will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at the voters booth!

Sincerely,

Patrick A. Quinn

44 Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook           February 19, 2000