To the Editor:

I write as a resident, not a member of the Newtown Community Center Commission, in urging my neighbors to vote YES in the upcoming referendum on April 5:

When I joined the group tasked with picking up the pieces of an attempt to shoehorn a senior center into the generous $15 million gift from General Electric, I had my own hopes for what might be possible. I believed, for instance, that an ice rink - alongside an expansive and inclusive community center - would best meet the donor's intentions of establishing a hub that brings people together and which does not currently exist.

I still believe a rink would greatly benefit the town in myriad ways. But after ten months of work, soliciting ideas from every constituency imaginable, putting them to a survey that elicited more votes than most local elections, and listening to the will of the people (not to mention my amazingly patient and intelligent colleagues on the commission ), I have been convinced that a multi-functional facility with a 50-meter pool represents an important step toward creating a world-class, self-sustaining destination in Fairfield Hills that attracts residents of all ages and significantly enhances quality of life in Newtown.

Sure, we could be doing more. Even before the Sandy Hook tragedy, the town had envisioned investing $10 million to create a community center. The Legislative Council intemperately slashed that commitment late last year. But despite what some self-appointed fiscal ideologues (brandishing a selective grasp of facts and arithmetic) may argue, the simple truth is that GE's munificence gives us a chance to build something better for the town - and at half the cost to taxpayers than previously imagined.

Moreover, the plan put forward by the committee, and embraced by most town leaders, fosters creative thinking about the future, with a feasibility study that could lead to further enhancements that serve to better the lives of residents, potentially attract new families and businesses to town and ultimately raise Newtown property values without incurring significant additional cost to taxpayers.

As someone who was raised here and returned after many years to bring up my own children, I obviously believe Newtown is a special place. But that won't continue to be the case if we do nothing to invest in its future. Sadly, this is especially true after 12/14. We cannot pretend that nothing changed on that awful day. The world is watching Newtown, and will take note of whether this community comes together for the good of future generations or tears itself apart over petty grievances.

A Yes vote on April 5 sends a very clear message that Newtown is moving forward, in unified fashion and sees the best days for its families ahead.

Rob Cox

136 Castle Hill Road, Newtown         March 28, 2016