Hard Times For Everybody

To the Editor:

I just read the article concerning the large supporter showing for the upcoming school budget proposal [“Teachers, School Supporters Dominate Budget Hearing,” page 1, 2/27/09]. I have to say I was not surprised when I read the comment made by Newtown teacher Trisha McCoy, “When you cut my salary, you’re cutting my family’s salary.” I think we have gotten to the real reason for the push for more and more money.

Ms McCoy wants to maintain her current salary and is asking the taxpayers to see that she continues to do so. I didn’t hear anything about how the children will suffer or how property values will go down or even how the ranking of Newtown schools will decrease. These are hard times for everybody. My business has gone down, my daughter lost her job and can’t sell their house. Everybody is in the same boat. I don’t think any body should be immune from budget cuts. We all have to share in this together.

As for the school budget, I won’t vote Yes for anything more than a zero percent increase. Your budgets are driving out the people who impact the town the least — senior citizens. The good times stopped rolling a while ago and it’s about time the school board came to grips with that.

Fred Gruendig

6 Plumtrees Road, Newtown                                          March 2, 2009