Positive Factors

To the Editor:

I have tried to resist (obviously unsuccessfully) commenting upon the current campaign and statements made critical of the leadership of our elected officials. However, as town attorney for Newtown for the past 19 years, I believe I have gained a unique perspective, and, I hope, some insight into town governmental affairs. I would like to share some of my observations.

Firstly, I have been more than impressed by the quality of our leaders, both Republican and Democratic, who have served on the Board of Selectmen and the Legislative Council. I have worked with four different first selectmen, one Republican and three Democrats. All have been competent, hardworking, and dedicated. They have often worked in a bipartisan way with the council to achieve their goals, making Newtown one of the best run towns in the area. This fact is certainly borne out by the tremendous increase in our property values and the number of businesses that have moved here.

Secondly, the acquisition of the Fairfield Hills site is the single most important action taken by our local government over the past 30 years. The leadership of Herb Rosenthal, coupled with the tireless efforts of Julia Wasserman, was responsible for this acquisition. Not only did he steer the town through difficult negotiations, but he also achieved a great bargain for the town. Without going into the math (your eyes will glaze over), the town paid net approximately $2.5 million dollars for over 250 acres of prime land (that’s $10,000 per acre). Thank you Herb!

Today, the much maligned Fairfield Hills Authority, under the excellent leadership of Bob Geckle, working with the Board of Selectmen, is doing great things at the campus: the environmental contamination has been cleaned up, the baseball field is almost complete, the Newtown Youth Academy has been approved, the infrastructure has been substantially upgraded, and several important leases are in the latter stages of negotiation, including one to bring a substantial medical facility to Newtown.

When you enter the voting booth, please keep these positive factors in mind.

Very truly yours,

David L. Grogins

Abbotts Hill Road, Newtown                                     October 24, 2007