Beginnings Of A Revolution?

To the Editor:

When a town, or any organization for that matter, begins to experience a torrent of unrest exhibited by the frequency of articles written and submitted to local newspapers on specific subjects, and groups begin forming stating opposing positions, you can be sure that the current government has turned a deaf ear to their issues. All too often those who are in positions of power begin to think that they are better qualified than others and as a result capable of making better decisions even though polls, articles, surveys, and letters recommend otherwise.

Organizations such as Friends of Fairfield Hills, WeCAN, Friends of Newtown, have formed to petition against decisions made by this government regarding the construction of a town hall at Fairfield Hills without regard to other more pressing uses of our tax dollars. This is highlighted by the many, many letters submitted to The Bee. It has been said that these so-called “special interest groups” are not representative of the majority of our citizens; however, when each of these groups takes up a central and common position relative to decisions made by our town leaders, then you have the beginnings of a revolution. A political revolution, formalized by Matt DeAngelis’s legal action against the implementation of a master plan without the approval of its citizens is the beginning of a transformation of government. It must be apparent to this administration that a multitude of your constituents are unhappy with decisions being made regarding the town hall, a Master Plan for Fairfield Hills unapproved by the voters, and the immediate and longer-range educational needs of this community.

I suggest the following actions be considered by this administration:

1. Develop a detailed Long Range Plan for Newtown, incorporating the Capital Improvement Plan.

2. Project our longer-term educational facility needs.

3. Reserve Fairfield Hills for educational requirements.

4. Eliminate plans for a town hall at Fairfield Hills.

5. Approve the master plan by referendum (revise and reissue).

6. Implement an elected Fairfield Hills Authority.

7. Compare the current and future costs of adding additional space to the current high school versus building a new high school at Fairfield Hills. Analyze the impact each will have on our property taxes.

8. Bridgeport Hall should be utilized as Newtown’s cultural/community center.

9. Communicate.

It is important in a town that is experiencing rapid growth not to sacrifice long-term goals for short-term objectives. The selectmen and Legislative Counsel are in a position to reevaluate many of the issues that are of concern to your citizens. The solution to many of these issues is dependent upon the administration’s ability to project forward and by doing so the solutions will become obvious. There exists a wealth of intellect and talent in this town; one need only harness it to be successful.

A.P. Roznicki

169 Hanover Road, Newtown                                   January 29, 2007