To the Editor:

The wonderful Second Company Governor's Horse Guard is on the chopping block! Almost everyone knows that the state is in a budget crisis and it was announced today, June 27, that the Legislature failed to meet the budget deadline. That means Governor Dannel Malloy will have to temporarily take over state spending by his executive authority beginning on Saturday, July 1. The power is in his hands but he takes advice from the Appropriations Committee.

The Guard is an active cavalry unit formed in 1808. It is run on a small budget. Its loss would be felt not only in Newtown, but throughout the state. There are many reasons to keep this icon of Newtown functioning:

*It is historically significant as one of the oldest military units in the country, and gives the younger generations a connection to the importance of a mounted military unit.

*It is a reminder of our state's reliance on horses as it developed over the years into a successful economic center.

*It is an ideal use of the barns and fields at Fairfield Hills. The horses graze the many acres keeping the fields well-groomed and free of weeds and invasive species. If the Guard were disbanded, the grounds would either fall into disrepair or require funds to maintain them.

*The Guard is a very active member of our town, not just marching in parades. It is a supporter of the Catherine Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, which is located adjacent to their property. The Guard hosts open houses, trail rides, cross country races and therapeutic riding programs.

The line item in the budget is for about $280,000, but that is for both the First and Second Guards. Time has shown that the Second can be mostly self-funding through activities and fundraising they are already engaged in. The actual cost of maintaining the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard is much less than the $140,000 implied in the budget. Just to put this in perspective, the entire State budget is about $20 billion.

If you agree and would like to let Hartford know how you feel, please contact Governor Malloy and any and all of the three co-chairs of the Appropriations Committee: Senator Paul Formica, Senator Catherine Osten, and Representative Toni Walker. You can find their contact information easily in a Google search.

Sincerely yours,

Tracy Van Buskirk

18 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown        June 28, 2017