On Laying Blame And Building Respect
On Laying Blame
And Building Respect
To the Editor:
People are scared. In the face of dire economic developments, one way to restore control is to blame someone specific.
At least two articles in local newspapers and several letters to the editor have implied or flatly stated that if teachers reopened their contract and accepted a salary freeze, Newtown could balance its budget with a without a tax increase. Words like selfish and arrogant were used to describe them.
In Newtown, most teachers volunteer gladly within the schools because they believe in our children. For example, two high school teachers created a weekly after-school tutoring session that raised the CAPT test scores of their students significantly. Iâm familiar with districts where teachers perform only their contract obligations. Students in those systems have among the lowest test scores in the state. I also know of other districts where teachers are paid for everything extra they do, every activity they advise, every committee on which they serve. If Newtown reimbursed its teachers for everything they do, taxpayers couldnât afford it.
Another group that donates enormous amounts of time is our elected and appointed officials. Although they represent divergent views, all of them are dedicated to the welfare of Newtown. What concerns me is that public criticism of some has gone far beyond honest disagreements on policy. A few of these committed officials have been the focus of public assaults on their character. In an atmosphere of negativity, why would anyone volunteer to serve Newtown?
Our temptation to blame others frightens me more than the dismal economic news. Complex problems can never be solved when people turn accusingly against one another. If Newtown is going to emerge from this period as a healthy community, we donât have to agree. However, we do need to respect one another, town officials and the employees who work hard on our behalf.
Sincerely,
Jan Lee Brookes
Legislative Council-District 3
38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                            March 25, 2009