I see you object to my use of the word mob. May I ask if you attended any of the warehouse discussions over the past few years? The disrespectful behavior—the shouting, the veiled threats, the outright hostility—from some of my neighbors has been disgraceful. Frankly, I’m ashamed to call them my neighbors. When the mob stops acting like a mob, I’ll gladly stop referring to them as a NIMBY mob.
One thing I’ve always found ironic about the Horse Guard—setting aside any real practicality of their current role—is that they are actually the second Horse Guard. Yes, the state of Connecticut funds not just one but two official Horse Guards. The first was established in 1788, but by 1808, it was apparently decided that one wasn’t enough, so a second was chartered.
Fast forward to around 1930, when 60% of American families owned a car, and it seems like we missed a prime opportunity to reconsider the necessity of these units. At this point, I think the Horse Guard should be welcome to continue using State property—if they can fund it themselves through private means. Otherwise, it’s time to stop subsidizing their hobby.
The Borough Zoning Commission does not represent the "residents of Newtown." It is elected by, and serves, the residents of the Borough. I believe most residents of both the Borough and the town are aware of this, but the letter creates the impression that residence in Newtown confers the right to vote for the BZC ("who we elect"), which may cause confusion.
Mr. Johnson
Mob as defined by Webster: a large, disorderly crowd of people, especially one that is violent or destructive. This is how you refer to your fellow Newtowners and neighbors who have a view of the appropriateness of the upscale cluster housing development that differs from yours. The “mob” we saw at several of the public hearings consisted of volunteer fire fighters, teachers, farmers, concerned citizens of all ages and occupations and retirees like us- in other words - your fellow Newtowners - who are all entitled to their constitutional right of free speech.
Name calling has no place in local public discourse or anywhere in our Nation. We are your neighbors not a mob.
School enrollment is down substantially from its peak -- 20 years ago. It is projected to rise from now through 2030. "Sometimes what people omit can be as telling as what they say."
