Fetzer, Hemingway Team Up To Clean Up

Democratic first selectman candidate Gary Fetzer and selectman candidate Joe Hemingway announced that they will formally kick off their campaign on Saturday, September 12. Along with other Democratic candidates and volunteers from the community, Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway plan to gather at 8:30 am, in the local Democratic Headquarters, at 111 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook.

After breakfast and brief remarks, small groups will take to the streets to clean up trash throughout Newtown, according to a release.

“This is the first step in creating Team Newtown — reaching out and getting new people involved. Rather than just talking about what we want to do, we are going to walk the walk, yet again,” Mr Fetzer said. “The Democratic candidates have many good ideas and also a lot of energy this year, and this will be a good project that helps the town.”

The Democratic contenders have committed to initiating several tax saving or community-building programs if elected, including replacing town employees with volunteers where possible. The initiative that Mr Fetzer referred to, bears the branding: “Team Newtown,” and outlines three basic tenets: “Share Your Time,” “Share Your Talents,” and “Share Your Treasure.”

Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway said they recognize Newtown is “a community of untapped knowledge and expertise.” They contend that many residents simply have not been involved because they have not been asked.

One of the candidates’ ideas is to supplement town and school district staff with a corps of volunteers who can free up paid staff to handle larger or more important projects.

“We want to further explore using volunteers for any number of tasks that are either contracted out or are done by town or Board of Education employees,” Mr Fetzer outlined in a recent position paper. “This would free them up to do more productive tasks that utilize their unique skills, or can accomplish those tasks that are not seen as a high priority.”

Mr Hemingway said the effort keeps in line with the spirit of teamwork and volunteerism he and Mr Fetzer think are so important.

“It’s one small example of the types of effort we hope to establish once we are in office,” said Mr Hemingway. “We all need to work together to make Newtown the best community it can be for everyone.”

Anyone interested in volunteering in the effort should contact the campaign via email at TeamNewtown09@aol.com or by calling 426-5688, or 270-7060. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.