Those Who Pay Need Some Say

To the Editor:

 I must congratulate the voters of Newtown for voting with their heads and not by their hearts. Superintendent Evan Pitkoff stated after the referendum that tomorrow night [April 23] the council meeting will determine the magnitude of what this means to the school and town’s future. The spin continues. His statement appears to mean that we will go back to the Stone Age or children will not get the best education or the town will disappear. He claims we lost a good math teacher because he wanted more money. He then said he must hire a shrink for $115,000.  How does this help children with the ABC’s?

Why was the $500,000 budget reduction proposal to the Legislative Council killed? Did they know that the extraordinary budget was not going to be accepted by the town? The selectman claims he wants to help the seniors and the veterans.  Will he be able to?

 The problem is compulsory arbitration where deals are done in back rooms by the town and state. The taxpayer has no say except his vote. The town of Woodbridge, Conn. (bless their hearts)  have rejected the school budget for the 14th time. This is determination. They feel some board members are irresponsible. Four have already stepped down. Newtown should be given a choice of Board of Education and Legislative Council candidates. Newtown needs a Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organization (FCTO).  If we must pay, we need some kind of say.

Paul Fortugno

44 Philo Curtis Road  Sandy Hook                            April 22, 2003