Newtown’s Quality Of Life

To the Editor:

Each of us moved to Newtown and has continued to live here for different reasons. One thing that we can all agree on, quality of life is an important factor. How we define qualify of life is somewhat subjective and ever-changing. Some people complain they don’t get anything for their tax dollars. Let’s take a look at some of the services and activities that are available in Newtown. We Republicans still think its “Nicer in Newtown.” Here are some facts:

Dedication to Active and Passive Recreation: Did you know Newtown has invested over $10 million in open space acquisitions? Did you know Newtown residents have access to six local parks, over 28 miles of hiking trails, and over 5,700 acres of open space? Did you know there are two golf courses in Newtown? Did you know there are hundreds of diverse Park & Recreation activities offered for preschoolers, seniors, and everyone in-between? Did you know Newtown Youth Academy services thousands of people?

Dedication to Seniors: Did you know about all of the senior housing communities available in Newtown — some of which is subsidized by the town? Did you know for the past 30 years, Newtown has dedicated money for senior tax relief? Did you know about all of the classes and services offered by the Newtown Senior Center?

Dedication to Education: Did you know Newtown has four elementary schools, a 5/6 school, a middle school, and a high school? Did you know we invest about $12,000 per year to educate each student? Did you know school district personnel and many volunteers spent the last year strategically planning for the next five years?

Dedication to Culture and Art: Did you know a Cultural Arts Commission was created in 2007 to foster more local cultural events? Did you know movies at Edmond Town Hall are only $2? Did you know the library has free Internet access?

Dedication to Public Service: Did you know volunteers run many of the annual activities in Newtown? Did you know Newtown Youth & Family Services provide programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups, and education throughout the Greater Newtown area regardless of ability to pay? Did you know Kevin’s Community Center has provided more than $500,000 in free health care for over 1,000 patients?

More activities and services with associated web links can be found at: www.newtownrepublicans.org/Newsletters/Quality of Life.html

What do Newtown Republicans think?

As Newtown continues to grow and the landscape changes, we need to remember our core values. We Republicans believe any town development needs to be mindful of our village neighborhoods. We will continue to invest in open space and the creation of linked greenways that provide recreation, social interaction, aesthetic value, and relief from continued housing developments. Finally, we will continue to analyze town data and educate ourselves on the changing population trends so we can plan for our current and future generations.

Robin Buchanan

On behalf of the

Republican Town Committee

Executive Board

15 Little Brook Lane, Newtown                                October 6, 2009