The Greater Good

To the Editor:

On December 3, the Board of Selectmen voted 2-1 to move ahead with the Fairfield Hills Master Plan. It was the right thing to do.

The Fairfield Hill plan wasn’t on the December 3 agenda, and many who opposed its completion felt blindsided when the selectmen voted on it. However, because the Board of Selectmen often must work quickly, their procedural rules allow them to act on items that aren’t on their agenda. The Fairfield Hills Master Plan was one of those questions that had to be decided promptly. Waiting indefinitely would mean Newtown would lose revenue from negotiated leases and that this campus would continue to deteriorate.

While I appreciate the feelings of betrayal some members of the Independent Party expressed, once elected, public officials must work for the greater good, not the interests of one group. After a thoughtful, reasoned, careful analysis of this complex issue, Paul Mangiafico decided that Newtown’s welfare was best served by building a new municipal office space. Because he understood the IPN’s position, his vote was a selfless and courageous act. For that, he has my admiration and gratitude.

Sincerely,

Jan Lee Brookes

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                       December 12, 2007

 (Jan Lee Brookes is a member of the Legislative Council.)