Roosters For Responsibility

To the Editor:

In response to my letter, which The Bee published two weeks ago, I have received a number of calls from concerned Newtown taxpayers who agree that a coordinated approach to addressing Newtown’s spending practices is long overdue. In our discussions, we came up with eight excellent strategies that we can employ, as a group, to encourage responsible spending in Newtown. Here are three:

 1. The Rooster Count for Responsible Spending: I have awarded ten Rooster credits to the first selectman and two other key town government officials at the start of my “Roosters for Responsibility” program. In addition, I have awarded additional Roosters for actions that lead to responsible spending. I have also removed Roosters for actions that lead to cost overruns, poor planning, not holding contractors or others accountable for their actions, etc.

By the way, I am happy to announce that Herb Rosenthal, our first selectman, currently has a total of 13 Roosters to his credit. Herb was awarded one Rooster for the Queen Street auction windfall (he could have earned two Roosters if he had a detailed plan from the beginning); he lost a Rooster for the erroneous $700,000 estimating blunder related to the renovation of the High School Athletic Fields, and he won two additional Roosters for his very successful meeting with Wall Street this month that resulted in Newtown’s Bond Rating being upgraded for the second time in two years. Congratulations to Herb and to all of Newtown! Now find a way to eliminate the debt and you will be awarded the entire flock.

2. Six Meetings a Year: Let’s not get carried away. There is not enough happening in Newtown that would require we meet weekly or even monthly. However, with $77 million that the town has to play with, we should come together every other month to assess our progress and plan our strategy. These meetings must be well attended, though, if we are to share equally in the work. Oh, and, please…let’s keep the complaining down to the first 30 minutes of each meeting. This is an “action” committee. Call me at 364-0578 for the time and place of July’s meeting.

3. Public Demonstrations: When was the last time you came to the Town Hall to complain about something you didn’t agree with? How might things be different today if only half of the people who voted against the budget first came together in front of Edmond Hall to demonstrate their concern over rising taxes? A loud, but peaceful demonstration is a healthy way to let the town and others understand your point of view. Which action is more likely to gain support for your cause? Another letter in The Bee, or 200 peoople on Main Street holding signs and chanting “No More Spending!”?

Look for my update on these next three strategies soon…The Candidate’s Pledge, Remember When, and www.?.com.

Kevin Fitzgerald

24 Old Farm Hill Road, Newtown           June 20,2002