Bring The Ownership Society

To Newtown

To the Editor:

In his inaugural address, President Bush talked about making America an “Ownership Society.” What a wonderful idea! And how wonderful that Newtown can, by selling the eight existing homes on the Fairfield Hills grounds, do something right now to bring eight families into this Ownership Society.

The Fairfield Hills homes are nothing like the super-luxury minimansions that are appearing on newly cleared land all over Newtown. No, they’re simply moderate-sized houses for people of moderate means who want to become part of the Ownership Society by realizing the American dream of home ownership.

No one is suggesting that we turn Fairfield Hills into a massive housing development. These eight homes do not constitute a giant development, nor do they threaten the character of Newtown (or of Fairfield Hills). In fact, by offering these homes for sale, we will actually uphold the family feeling of our community and help secure Fairfield Hills through the Neighborhood Watch idea of having residents — the people who buy and live in those eight homes — keep an eye on what happens in their area.

We can’t change the entire world, but we can make a big difference in the lives of eight families by selling these homes rather than tearing them down. Newtown can and should take this small step toward making the Ownership Society a reality in our own community.

Sincerely,

Marian Wood

62 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook                          January 25, 2005