Obituaries

In Memoriam: Michelle Ann Vanasse

Published: September 22, 2016 12:00 am

Michelle Ann Vanasse May 14, 1964 to September 29, 2003 Thirteen years came and went, Heavy tears of rain we wept, A husband married, A son a gent, But you remain the one they dreamt. ...

Robert Betz Wilson, Jr

Published: September 20, 2016 12:00 am

Robert "Papa" Betz Wilson, Jr, 81, of Sandy Hook died peacefully at Danbury Hospital with his family by his side, September 18. He was born October 3, 1934, in Harlem, Mont., a son of Esther and Rober...

Marie M. Rodgers Wolfe

Published: September 19, 2016 12:00 am

Marie M. Rodgers Wolfe of Southbury died September 15, after a long and happy life. She was surrounded by family, friends, and song. She was born September 11, 1928, and was raised in Roselle, N.J. Mr...

Carrie Miranda Schuler

Published: September 16, 2016 12:00 am

Carrie Miranda Schuler, 32, died unexpectedly on September 12, in Jacksonville, Fla. She was born in Bridgeport, and resided in both Connecticut and Florida, where she graduated from the University of...

Patricia A. Vontobel

Published: September 15, 2016 12:00 am

Patricia "Patty" Ann Vontobel, 86, a longtime resident of New Milford and Ridgefield, died peacefully at Bethel Health Care on September 14. She was born in Stamford, daughter of the late Morris and H...

JoAnne S. Morse

Published: September 14, 2016 12:00 am

JoAnne S. Morse, 76, of Grayson, Ga., formerly of Bethel, died September 9 after a gallant fight with kidney failure. She was born in Syracuse, N.Y., to Marcelline Konseck Sessler and Leo Vincent Sess...

Beverlee A. Costanzo

Published: September 14, 2016 12:00 am

Beverlee A. "Bev" Costanzo, 70, died peacefullyÃÂ August 31. Born in Bridgeport, she lived in Newtown, Old Lyme, and Niantic, before moving to Bradenton, Fla., in 2005. Her sister, Gayle Van Pe...

Tyler David Jones Memoriam

Published: September 13, 2016 12:00 am

Tyler David Jones October 5, 1992-September 18, 2009 (Forever in our hearts) Tyler, From Harvard to Heaven all in on leap, Your memory is ours to cherish and keep Living with autism you ha...

In Memoriam

Published: September 13, 2016 12:00 am

Nicole Elena Ringes 3/30/96 - 9/17/98 Our Precious Angel Always in our thoughts Forever in our Hearts

Eileen A. Jensen

Published: September 12, 2016 12:00 am

Eileen A. Jensen, 89, formerly of Newtown, died at home in Prompton, Penn., on September 8.ÃÂ Her husband, Frederick H. Jensen Sr., preceded her in death in on November 13, 2011. Born on Februa...

Newtown PD To Participate In Drug Take Back Day, Saturday

Bolinsky & Foncello: State Public Hearing Scheduled for 6 Commerce Road in Newtown

Author Abi Cushman Visits Hawley Elementary School

Anne Murray

Snapshot: Kristin Violette

While I respect the outcome of the referendum, I’m disappointed by the way this budget was presented and passed. A 6.72% tax increase and a mill rate jump to 28.78 may have been framed as “just a few dollars a day,” but for many families in town — especially those already stretched thin — those “few dollars” add up quickly. It’s frustrating to see large increases minimized in this way, and I worry that next year we’ll hear, “It’s only a little more than last year,” as if that justifies an ongoing trend of rising taxes. This year’s combined municipal and education budgets total over $141 million — that’s a significant sum.

Everything Passes: Budgets, Capital Projects Referendum Results In

All of the referendums deserve to be pasted. We have a history of deferring needed maintenance and then paying more years later. These are required to keep our town owned building and roads in working condition.

Vote “Yes” To Question #5 On Referendum

Every vote matters and that’s exactly why it’s important to recognize that voting No on a proposed budget is not a vote against Newtown, but rather a vote for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Last year, when voters rejected the education budget in its first round, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it resulted in a reduced spending plan that ultimately passed. That outcome showed that our voices can and do make a difference. Voting “No” is one of the few tools residents have to encourage our town leaders to re-evaluate spending, find creative solutions, and prioritize needs over wants. So yes, please vote on April 22—but don’t be afraid to vote “No” if you believe we can do better. Last year’s vote proved that when residents speak up, real changes can follow.

Get Out And Vote

Breaking the tax increase down to a “cost per day” may make it sound more palatable, but it minimizes the real impact these increases have—especially on those already struggling with rising costs across the board. A dollar here and a dollar there adds up, and for many families, it's not just about the price of a cup of coffee—it's about stretching every dollar to cover groceries, fuel, healthcare, and housing. A 6.72% property tax increase is significant, regardless of how it’s framed. Saying “it’s only $1.13 a day” overlooks the fact that for some residents, every expense matters. Just because costs are rising doesn’t mean the burden should automatically fall on taxpayers without exploring real efficiencies, cost savings, or long-term planning. We need to prioritize fiscal responsibility and find smarter ways to manage our town’s needs without assuming residents can or should absorb another round of tax hikes.

Is Our Community Worth $1.67 Per Day?

Let’s have the library present a 20-year, 40-year, and 60-year OPEX/capital investment plan to determine whether this is truly a sustainable investment or just another sunk cost fallacy. Two of the items we’re voting on next week were originally framed as “donations,” yet they continue to cost this town more money over time. It’s time to say no, and force a serious reevaluation of how we approach these decisions.

Quiz Time

<< Apr 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
30	31	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	1	2	3

Log In