An F For IPN Answers To Zero-Based Budgeting (Part 1)

To the Editor:

IPN recently responded to the 21 questions that I posed to them about Zero-Based Budgeting. Thanks IPN. You sort of helped me understand where some of your group stands on this issue, but I am afraid that many of the voters are still extremely confused and perplexed by your proposal and which of your members actually support it. Fill us in!

 After reviewing IPN’s responses, it is evident that some of the answers were rather vague and/or did not address the question head on. The Newtown Democrats have taken the time to provide the voters with a truthful response to this crucial issue. The response can be viewed at www.TheNewtownDemocrats.com.

Here is a summary of some of the shocking aspects of IPN’s responses to my questions.

1. No IPN candidate would sign the answers. IPN repeatedly states that “some” of their candidates support the platform of zero-based budgeting (ZBB). This is a masterful obfuscation, preventing voters from knowing which IPN candidate supports ZBB and which does not.

2. Contrary to the unsubstantiated conclusion of IPN, ZBB is not “common.” It is mostly used “to avoid the extinction of an entire system.”

3. What is truly astonishing, IPN states “Zero-Based Budgeting and Performance Budgeting are the same.” Nothing could be farther from the truth! Visit www.TheNewtownDemocrats.com for clarification on this.

4. When asked what type of budgeting our school system has, IPN answered, “In effect, our schools are utilizing Zero-Based Budget philosophy and establishing Decision Packages.” No! Our school system does not employ zero-based budgeting with decision packages! Absolutely incorrect. What’s interesting is that if IPN truly believes that the school system is using ZBB then why are they proposing a new, ZBB for the school system?

Finally, I urge IPN to be transparent and reveal which of their candidates actually support zero-based budgeting. The voters need to know this in order to make an informed decision on November 6.

Please see Mr Gaston’s letter this week for some more information regarding IPN’s responses.

All my best,

Christopher B. Lyddy

Democratic Candidate for Legislative Council, District 1

3 Smoke Rise Ridge, Newtown                                  October 24, 2007