Vote Should Be Separate

To the Editor:

Open letter to my legislators, First Selectman Rosenthal, and the Bee Editor:

As your constituent and a Newtown taxpayer, I want the opportunity to vote separately on the two major capital projects facing our town this year. The proposed purchase of Fairfield Hills and the construction of a new 5/6 school have different objectives, different costs, and different consequences. By trying to bundle the two into a single vote, you will be eliminating my ability to evaluate each on its merits and outcome.

One reason for insisting on separate votes is to be sure that we taxpayers fully understand the town’s plans and intentions for each project. Nearly two years ago, I attended a town meeting at which taxpayers were asked to approve the purchase of the Queen Street properties – spending more than $1 million without any definite plan for the homes and land. At the time, town officials indicated (but did not promise) that these homes would be made available for purchase. Unfortunately, many months have gone by but no homes have been offered for sale. Meanwhile, the properties continue to deteriorate while Newtowners pay for the debt service on this purchase.

In light of the experience with the Queen Street purchase, I am reluctant to vote for any major town project without knowing the town’s plans. Plans for the proposed 5/6 school have been explained in detail; we as taxpayers expect the same diligence and detail for any purchase of Fairfield Hills – and we should have the right to vote separately on these very different uses of our tax money. Please call or write to let me know your position on this matter.

Respectfully,

Marian Wood

62 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook                        February 20, 2001