With the growing likelihood that schools and many businesses could be shuttered or downsized for some time to come, a number of local support agencies told
Dental Associates in Newtown may have closed its office at 32 Church Hill Road, but it was still able to help clients receive the orthodontic appliances they need through a “Drive Thru Orthodontic Off...
UPDATE: Information about Towne & Country Health & Wellness has been added on March 19.
With news emerging daily, sometimes hourly, about the best practices to prevent spreading the coronavirus, ...
The latest in a series of video outreach messages with First Selectman Dan Rosenthal also included some brief perspective from Town Human Services Director Natalie Jackson.
Within about an hour’s time late Friday, March 13, Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Governor Ned Lamont both briefed the press on updates in the face of the COVID-19 virus situation.
There are many occurrences in life that society deems rare. For instance, the chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot is one in 302.6 million, and the odds of being killed by a shark are one in 3.75...
I agree with your point, Tom.
However, the sheer volume of Trump's false statements and claims -- vs. anyone else -- is astonishing and noteworthy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_or_misleading_statements_by_Donald_Trump
President Biden, too, has claimed “inflation was 0%,” when in fact prices remained elevated. He told us his Afghanistan withdrawal was a “success,” even though Americans and allies were left behind and 13 service members lost their lives. He promised not to build another foot of border wall, but later quietly restarted construction. These examples matter just as much as Trump’s because they show that political dishonesty isn’t unique to one side.
The point is not to excuse Trump or Biden—it’s to recognize that truth matters, and voters deserve accountability from all leaders. Singling out one politician while giving others a free pass only fuels division.
It’s important to put the 8-30g application into context. The reason developers in our town resort to Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing statute is precisely because obstructionist voices, led by Mr. Ackert, have repeatedly opposed reasonable housing proposals through local zoning channels. When projects are delayed or denied outright under the guise of “protecting character,” developers have little choice but to pursue the state-level remedy.
Mr. Ackert portrays 8-30g as a loophole being abused, when in fact it exists because communities that resist creating diverse housing options need accountability. If our town had a stronger record of working collaboratively to meet housing needs, developers wouldn’t feel compelled to bypass local boards in the first place.
Regarding wetlands and Inland Wetlands Commission review, it’s worth remembering that these processes are not ignored or hidden from the public. Applications that impact wetlands must comply with environmental regulations, and developers are subject to oversight. Suggesting otherwise unfairly discredits both the staff and the commission, who follow established procedures.
The public certainly deserves transparency, but it is misleading to imply that this project was pushed through in secret. The broader issue is that continued “Not In My Back Yard” obstructionism drives applicants to use 8-30g, ensuring that local zoning boards lose the very control residents claim to want preserved.
If we truly want more local say in how projects are shaped, then we need to stop reflexively opposing housing and start working constructively with applicants. Mr. Ackert’s campaign of resistance has only created the exact conditions he now complains about.
It's certainly good news that a temporary patch to rationed water in Newtown is in effect. But taking a year to come up with a patch is concerning. Where is the sense of urgency to get this permanently fixed?
Getting an endorsement from Jinm Gaston is one of the biggest compliments any candidate can get, and Chris certainly deserves the high marks. He has served us well and will in the future.
