Why Take Jobs From

Newtown Residents?

To the Editor:

Why is the superintendent of Newtown Schools taking jobs away from Newtown residents?

One would think that Dr Robinson would want to support the town that pays her salary. And as superintendent of Newtown Public Schools, she also should be considered a role model for Newtown students. But to have over 30 residents loose their jobs while she is at the helm leaves me puzzled. I am sure that many a time in her career she has had to choose one person’s position over a classroom filled with 30 students. Why not opt for one less vice principal in NHS instead of having 30 Newtowners losing their livelihoods?

Why would she want a large commercial service driving our students instead of Newtown residents who are owner-operators?

The “O-Os” remain one of the few small town claims to fame that Newtown has had for over 80 years! Will they now go the way of the many local bookstores or the ma and pa stores that used to be in town? At a time when communities are trying to support themselves locally, why go looking for a bid from a large commercial corporation that serves multiple municipalities?

For my kids and I to have had the privilege to ride on O-O buses, we are grateful. We knew our bus drivers and they knew us. We are saddened that future Newtown students might not have the benefit of safely riding with hardworking owner-operators who are residents of Newtown and pay their share of local taxes. Drivers the likes of Sarah Mannix, Clarkie Paige, Bud Schadd, The Cash Family, Gary Wheeler, Marsha Moskowitz, George and Carol Mattegat, and Jane Wheeler are but a few examples of drivers who have touched our family over the generations. These individuals chose to get bus contracts and buy buses. They put their heart, soul and every dime into their buses and into the safety of the students in town. Each bus is cared for like a family member because it is their livelihood — not just a paycheck from a corporation.

I encourage Dr Robinson to get to know the town that pays her salary. The benefit to all of Newtown could outweigh the costs — they have for our family for over 60 years! This way it might really stay “Nicer in Newtown.”

Please support the O-Os!

Thankful to every past and present O-O in Newtown.

Susan O. White

60 Castle Meadow Road, Newtown                                June 7, 2011