Working For A Better Result

To the Editor:

Prior to the last referendum, I wrote a letter urging voters to join me in voting for the budget. Therefore, I am sure that no one is surprised that I am making that request again. However, it is becoming more urgent for the Town of Newtown to have an approved budget so that we can go about providing required services.

As a result of the two referendum defeats, the Legislative Council has reduced the budget by over $1.2 million, which includes $975,000 from the Board of Education and $330,000 from the Board of Selectmen (general government). We are now at a point that spending will be up only 2.8 percent over current levels and selectmen spending will actually be down by 4.2 percent, that is over $1.3 million below the current budget and over $500,000 below the approved 2001 budget.

I know that despite the council’s actions, some taxpayers will still have large tax increases, but we still need to have a budget in place to provide the services people expect and need. Therefore, I urge everyone to vote Yes for this budget on Wednesday, May 28. Then, let us work together to develop strategies for improvements in elderly tax relief, open space acquisition, responsible economic development, and additional efficiencies in all departments so that we have a better result in 2004.

Sincerely,

Herbert C. Rosenthal

First Selectman

45 Main Street, Newtown                                            May 21, 2003