The BOE Made A Big Mistake

To the Editor:

First thank you to our owner-operator bus drivers. Mr Wheeler, who was my bus driver after Bucky Dean, Mrs Buckley who helped my family when Michaela was sick, these are the people we want driving our kids, not someone who just looks at it as a just over minimum wage job. I am at a loss for words after reading that the BOE chose not to award the new bus contract to the owner-operators. They have put 32 Newtown business owners out of business. At a time when we should be supporting local business owners, Mr Buzzi states that this vote will effect him long after and it should — he just fired 32 residents of Newtown. Was it worth saving 16 cents per taxpayer? And I will buy the BOE lunch if All-Star is able to hire more than 40 percent town resident drivers. Not counting the drivers now who might get hired because they are going to need a job. Bottom line, I think it was a big mistake, that the BOE will regret.

Tom Richmond

8 Bari Drive, Newtown                                         September 14, 2011