Where Do We Go From Here?

To the Editor:

I’ll take my crow medium well, thank-you.  I was one the vocal supporters of the now-defeated town budget.  Some of the seasoned politicians in town said a 2.9 mill budget increase wouldn’t pass.  They were right.  My hat’s off to the 13 percent of registered voters who voted no.  That’s right, the voice of 13 percent of our fellow citizens will shape the agenda for the coming year.  It gives a new definition to the concept “majority” rules.  I’ll say this: at least they turned out to vote.  It’s good to know democracy is alive and well in Newtown. 

The question for our political leaders now is: Where do we go from here?

The needs of the town don’t go away just because about 1,600 citizens—yes, just one out of eight registered voters— voted no.  Our school enrollment will increase six percent in the fall regardless of the budget vote.  Too bad we can’t stand in the school doorways and say to the newcomers, “Sorry, we can’t let you attend school. The budget was turned down and there are no additional funds for new students — barely enough for those from last year.  Have to maintain the status quo, you know.  Try us again next year.”   Maybe now Newtown can achieve the coveted rank of dead last in educational funding for all 169 school districts in Connecticut.  An achievement to be proud of… no more of this 160th out of 169 stuff.  No siree, not Newtown.  We want to be right there at the bottom. 

Maintenance of town buildings will likely be deferred some more.  Funny thing is that when the roof leaks for lack of repairs, the interior damage done usually costs twice what the original maintenance would have cost.  But, hey, let’s not worry about that this year.  We’ll let the taxpayers worry about that next year or the year after that.  Sure am glad we saved those maintenance costs though this year.

Glad we had the extra money in the budget for possible debt service for possible bond issues for Fairfield Hills or a new 5/6 school.  Of course with the lack of consensus for the future demonstrated by this budget vote, we won’t have to worry about any decision on Fairfield Hills or a new school anytime soon.  Remember:  good form is important these days.  The proper technique for sticking one’s head in the sand is to be certain to cover the entire head right up to the collar bone — that way the key senses are completely blocked from the outside world. 

Silly me, our family is in the process of moving up to a new home in Newtown.  We love Newtown.  Thought it would be a good long term investment, even though it felt like I might be buying near the peak of the real estate market.  When new buyers find out what’s really going on in Newtown, they’ll likely choose Brookfield, Southbury or one of our other fine neighbors where citizens are willing to support their town government.  Then the value of my largest asset will depreciate nicely, thank you… right along with everyone else’s in Newtown.

But let’s look at the bright side.  Who cares about asset appreciation: at least our taxes are cheap! 

Ted Ruddock

29 Ashford Lane, Newtown                                        April 26, 2000