Editorials

The Latest ‘Standing O’s And Oh Nos’ — And A Few Announcements

Published: March 24, 2022 3:00 pm

The latest installment of an occasional Editorial Ink Drops feature we titled “Standing O’s And Oh Nos” — because some issues and individuals in the community deserve this kind of heightened focus, for good or for ill, right at the top of our front page.

Shedding Light, Promoting Truth Are
Right In Our Wheelhouse

Published: March 17, 2022 3:00 pm

On the occasion of Sunshine Week, observed March 13-19, The Newtown Bee is reminded of the preamble to Connecticut’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the first such legislation in the country, that w...

Use Consumer Protection Week To Educate, Protect Yourself

Published: March 10, 2022 3:00 pm

As Connecticut moves through its annual Consumer Protection Week activities this week, we are prompted to recall two familiar sayings. The first is “caveat emptor,” a fairly familiar Latin term that m...

Taking Better Care Of Newtown’s Hungry, And Ourselves

Published: March 03, 2022 3:00 pm

Check out this week's Editorial Ink Drops focusing on Real Food Share and Newtown's hungry families.

ARP Allocations Require Thoughtful, Careful Planning

Updated: February 24, 2022 3:18 pm

Read this week's Editorial Ink Drops!

A Compassionate Call For Aid In Dying

Published: February 17, 2022 2:35 pm

Our editorial this week focuses on proposed state medical aid in dying legislation.

Enhancing Newtown’s DEI Starts With More Than A Conversation

Updated: February 10, 2022 2:13 pm

Read this week's Editorial.

Our Mental Health Crisis Can’t Be Solved If Providers Aren’t Paid

Published: February 03, 2022 3:00 pm

Our editorial this week reflects on efforts to solve the state's mental health crisis.

The Latest Standing O’s And Oh Nos

Updated: January 28, 2022 12:11 pm

Check out who is getting well deserved "Standing O's" this week.

Talk To Your Kids Now About Fentanyl

Published: January 20, 2022 2:57 pm

Read our editorial for the edition of January 21.

Flags To Be Lowered For Pope Francis

Fire Reports | April 10-15, 2025

Police Reports | April 3-13, 2025

Interfaith Council’s Seder Enjoyed By 40+ Guests

St Rose Parish To Host Eucharistic Miracles Display Of Blessed Carlo Acutis

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

Such a loss. A wife, mother and dear friend. Judy and Richard Pesce

Nancy Martin

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