Who Will Step Up When They’re Gone?

To the Editor:

Enough is enough!!! As public officials we have all sat quietly and read, week after week, personal attacks on many of us in public office. We all wait each week until The Bee comes out to see who the next victim is. This past week was “enough” for me. One particular letter hit an all-time low. I realize it is an election year and for some that means it is time for attack and anything goes.

It is so easy to sit back and be the “Monday morning quarterback” when you have absolutely no clue of all that is entailed with being a “public servant.” Our public officials have chosen to volunteer and/or work for the Town of Newtown because they love the town and take pride and ownership in their hometown.

Over the past months, we have read personal attacks against First Selectman Rosenthal, Legislative Council Chairman Will Rodgers, Finance Board Chairman John Kortze, Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Bob Geckle, town attorney David Grogins and others. They all live here, pay the same taxes you do, have children or grandchildren attending the same schools yours do and all love the town the same way you do.

These public officials have had and continue to have many different kinds of support — town employees and department heads, boards and commissions — Democrats, Republicans, unaffiliates, etc. They serve the townspeople when others choose to sit back and hide behind vicious words and strong criticism. To Mr Dinielli and the other letter writers, be careful what you wish for! Why would any of these public officials choose to continue getting “beat up” week after week? And when they are gone, who will be willing to step up to the plate and govern the Town of Newtown as professionally and graciously as they all do?

Sincerely,

Cynthia S Simon

17 Jeremiah Road, Sandy Hook                                     June 25, 2007