A Clarification

To the Editor:

As Chris Lyddy’s campaign manager I would like to offer a short note to clarify two items in The Newtown Bee last week.

The first comes from an article by John Voket [“Rodgers Responds To Lyddy’s Remarks On ECS, Local Taxes,” 10/3/08]. It was reported that Chris Lyddy was “appearing to fault council representatives and other political leadership, past and present” for lack of innovation and ways to fund municipal and educational services. Actually, Chris was referencing the state executive and legislative levels of government. We all know what happens when you a-s-s-u-m-e. The article presented an incorrect assumption. Now more than ever, especially with the economic difficulties of present, we need a comprehensive, bipartisan...don’t stop until you’re finished...work effort to restructure a fairer educational tax system. Everything should be on the table.

 The other thing I would like to clarify comes from Robin Buchanan’s letter [“Misplaced Blame]. She states that a task force as proposed by Chris Lyddy has already taken place, saying, “The Blue Ribbon Property Tax Commission, chaired by former first selectman Herb Rosenthal, spent nearly two years doing exactly what Lyddy has now suggested.”

In fact, the Blue Ribbon Study that she may be referring to came out in 2003, and Mr Rosenthal is not mentioned in the study. Five years after that study, and in very different economic times, it seems that it may be worth studying again, in a more comprehensive way. Mr Rosenthal was, however, chairman of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Property Task Reform Task Force. We are grateful to Herb not only for the service he provided to CCM in this capacity, but for the many years of service he has provided, and continues to provide, to our town. However, this task force was made up only of elected officials. Mr. Lyddy has proposed a bipartisan group comprised not only of elected officials, but educational experts and economic leaders, to truly study this problem from all angles.

 I hope this helps to clarify things. If you have further questions, please visit www.ChrisLyddy.com for more information.

Thank you,

Sarah Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook                                                                       October 8, 2008

(Editor’s note: Mr Lyddy’s comments on the lack of “innovative and forward thinking” and “unnecessary spending” in the referenced article noted that “Newtown and its representatives have allowed this type of increase to happen.”)