Hopes And Dreams For Newtown

To the Editor:

As parents of triplets, my wife and I start the school year with parent-teacher conferences to discuss the hopes and dreams for our children. It is intended to communicate what we hope for our children to achieve, as well as defining who they currently are. I find myself thinking similarly about our town.

I am running for Legislative Council because I feel that our legislative body plays an overarching role in pursuing our collective hopes and dreams. The council provides oversight of town government, manages the rules we live by and how we expend our resources. Section 7-70 of the Town Charter requires town boards, commissions, departments, and officers to supply annual reports to the council, which are to be evaluated then made public. This is an obvious indicator that the council is a “clearinghouse” for information, with power of oversight, therefore guardian of our wide-reaching goals. This aggregation of information should be used as the means for citizens to become informed, and provide feedback, without the onerous task of attending numerous town meetings. I suggest we enhance the reporting process and provide concise public distribution as updates are made.

It is the council’s responsibility to consider all interests and balance financial realities with quality of life concerns. There should be 12 well-rounded individuals obligated to pursue the best results, giving deference to the greater good above any individual project, institution, or agenda. Provoking thought and resolution, rather than being an enabler or a rubber stamp for other entities. Using tools, such as the Plan of Conservation and Development, decisions are not to be made in a vacuum, but are an amalgam of knowledge and resources absent of politics.

I enjoy being involved in our town, which still feels like a small town, although we have considerable issues and a large budget to manage. Regardless of party affiliations, we all need to work together. I have experience managing projects in Newtown, which has included working closely with various town departments, commissions, and officials. Since 2004 I have helped garner hundreds of thousands of dollars, thousands of volunteer hours, and initiated programs that benefit Newtown. This experience has given me a unique skill set and perspective which will be helpful as a council member.

I believe we can have a growing community while protecting our natural resources. We can solidify the tax base while protecting our rural and agrarian heritage. I have pursued these goals for years as a volunteer leader, but in order to achieve a place that we all desire we need to diligently plan, communicate well and adhere to principles of good governance. As Johann von Goethe stated, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” I view the Legislative Council as place of leadership where Newtown’s many moving parts come together and we can visualize our hopes and dreams.

James S. Belden

IPN Candidate for Legislative Council-District 3

3 Oak Ridge Drive, Newtown                             September 23, 2009