Newtown High School students are readying for a streamed video performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” for Saturday, December 19, starting a 7 pm.
After hours of vetting and discussions on bonding for a Hawley School HVAC project, the Board of Finance decided to parse out $8 million in funding over three years and put the finishing touches on a five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Snow days will be different this school year. The Board of Education approved a “Snow Day Expectations” document on December 1 to outline new snow day expectations.
The Newtown Middle School PTA is continuing its drive for new and gently worn used shoes Saturday, December 5, from 11 am to 1 pm at the school, 11 Queen Street.
From a student whose “wish” created a new lounge area at Newtown High School to student athletes, the Board of Education celebrated recent student achievements at its virtual November 17 meeting.
Along with hearing the superintendent’s COVID-19 update, the Board of Education approved its monthly financial report and a new district position for a diversity compliance coordinator at its November 17 meeting.
If Bruce Walczak wasn’t considered qualified enough to serve on the Board of Education the last time he ran, how does that suddenly make him fit to lead the entire town as First Selectman? Newtown deserves proven competence, not political recycling.
We should expect more from our leaders than recycled campaigns and empty slogans about “listening.” The First Selectman’s job demands results, judgment, and the respect of those he hopes to lead — not another round of excuses. Do we really elect failure as a qualification now?
We don’t need more listeners — we need action. We need someone who will stand up for the town, not engage in a politically divisive, doublespeak campaign. We need honor in the position, not politics.
Leadership isn’t about echoing what’s convenient or popular — it’s about facing hard questions and making tough decisions for the good of the whole community. Newtown deserves a leader who answers with conviction, not calculation. Our town needs accountability, not applause.
Mr. Walczak’s reply is unfortunately emblematic of the political double-speak that frustrates so many residents. Rather than engaging on the substantive issues raised — namely, the balance between quality education and fiscal responsibility — he chose to deflect and assign partisan blame.
It’s easy to grandstand about “supporting education.” It’s harder to make responsible decisions that keep Newtown affordable for everyone — families, seniors, and small businesses alike. That’s the work real public servants are doing, even when it’s not politically convenient.
*Regardless, you should know that the Board of Education has the greatest influence on the education budgets that ultimately come before Board of Finance and LC.
Mr. Walczak, I read it multiple times before submitting my letter and again afterward. Nowhere in your letter do you mention Legislative Council. Regardless, you should know that the Board of Education has the greatest influence on budgets that ultimately come before Board of Finance and LC.
In addition, I noted that you didn't respond to the more substantive issue highlighted in my letter -- school funding and impact on our residents. Your initial letter seemed to indicate that "Republicans" were misguided in challenging budget requests. Regardless of whether you were talking about LC or BOE, is it your position that 64.8% of every tax dollar is not enough to adequately fund our schools? Are you advocating to spend more money? It feels like your Letter to the Editor is at odds with your campaign pitch of affordability.
