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Budget Hearing Draws A Spirited Defense Of Spending

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The 50 or so residents who attended Tuesday night's public hearing on the

town's proposed $62 million budget witnessed a spirited and often humorous

defense of local spending before the Legislative Council.

First, there was Scott Allen of Elana Lane who adopted the mannerisms of

comedian Steve Martin and his "Wild and Crazy Guy" skit. Mr Allen shook and

shimmied as he urged the Legislative Council to restore funding to the Board

of Education's proposed $35 million budget, which recently had its $3.3

million requested increase trimmed by $870,000. His animated plea quickly

energized the usually staid budget proceedings.

"I can not fathom this council actually cutting money from the Board of Ed.

How can you take money from children," he wondered.

Mr Allen said he pays $5,500 in taxes each year and still has to donate paper

towels to his daughter's Sandy Hook School classroom. With arms spread, hands

raised in exasperation, he implored the council to restore the money.

"Raise my taxes 3-4 percent for the education of the children. I can not

afford it, but I will find a way to find the money to know my kids are getting

a quality education," he said.

Gordon Williams, a library trustee, told a story about a little boy from

Montana who shied away from other people -- until he found books. With books,

Mr Williams said, the little boy was able to experience the world and unlock

the secret to himself. Mr Williams was describing his own story.

"Please restore the $20,000 to the library budget," he urged.

Two weeks ago, the council reduced the library's proposed budget by $20,000, a

move library board members say will effect materials, including books.

"We realize the 7.6 percent increase is a significant increase, but that

$20,000 cut means a cut in materials," noted Jim Larin. "We have essential

things that we must do, like maintaining that building."

Mr Larin asked that at least "some" of the money be restored.

We're working on a "shoestring," noted children's librarian Alana Meloni.

The hour-long hearing was all about restoring funds to both the school and

library requests. No one was on hand to speak on behalf of other parts of the

budget -- such as roads.

"There's not a whole lot else to do in Newtown except go to school and the

library, so support it," urged Cheryl Clark of 3 Pheasant Ridge Road.

School supporter Russell Jayhill of Monitor Hill Road said he was appalled at

what Newtown spends per child on education. "I can not believe you want to cut

more money. Keep it in full and let the town vote on it," he said.

Others confessed they would have difficulty affording a tax increase, but

would find a way for the good of their child's education. They fear the cuts

will affect class sizes which are growing because of increased enrollment.

Since 1991, the system has taken in an average of 135 additional students per

year. Major cuts will force the district to eliminate some of the new teaching

positions it had proposed, according to Superintendent of Schools John Reed.

"Speaking from my heart, you have to reconsider opening up the budget," said

Mr Allen, whose body language again had some council members in stitches. "I

am not for the library. I don't [care] about the library, but give the library

the $20,000. There are some things you have to do. You can't cut. Please make

the right decision."

Others who spoke said they feared the school system's continued under-funding

will result in the loss of good teachers. They urged council members to listen

to those at the hearing.

Some residents have requested that the council reconsider its decision not to

use town surplus to offset the tax rate increase, thereby allowing for a

larger school budget increase. The council's finance committee said that is

not possible this year. Council chairman Pierre Rochman reminded residents

that this is an unusual budget year, even though it may not appear to be on

the surface.

"The proposed purchase of Fairfield Hills, a new 5/6 school and municipal

space are not shown in this budget because there has been no official request,

yet. However, they are real and will be coming. That's what makes this year

different," he said.

A Confrontation

Joanne Zang, a volunteer who has headed the library's annual book sale for

more than 20 years, criticized council member Will Rodgers for his comments

earlier this month when the council cut the $20,000.

"Mr Rodgers stated that the $20,000 cut could be `made up' by the Friends of

the Library from their book sale proceeds," Mrs Zang read from a letter. "He

is effectively saying that any money raised should be automatically poured

into the town coffers to offset the mill rate. Wrong."

Mr Rodgers reminded Mrs Zang that he, too, is a volunteer and resented being

singled out. He also said her statement was incorrect.

"I did not say the money from the book sale could be used to offset costs," he

said.

Pierre Rochman urged residents to try to avoid personal attacks against the

council. He said nasty comments in the newspaper makes us wonder "why the hell

we're doing this sometimes."

The public hearing will continue on Saturday, at 9 am, in the middle school

auditorium.