Private Agendas And Conflicts

To the Editor:

Our first selectmen, current and past, not a whisper campaign, have allowed the perception of conflict of interest and private agendas to permeate Newtown government. The result, if continued, is we run the risk that perception becomes reality.

Recent events have brought these issues to the front burner. The choice is simple: allow these situations to create the perception of impropriety or stop them in their tracks.

It is in the best interest of all parties that the Board of Selectman uses its prerogative under the Newtown Charter to appoint a second legal firm to represent Newtown on issues at Fairfield Hills. The town attorney’s firm and he personally represents the Town of Newtown and Claris construction, the major beneficiary of money being spent on past and proposed construction on the Fairfield Hills campus.

The first selectman hired the real estate agent who has been pushing apartments at Fairfield Hills, a use not permitted by zoning. It is the first selectman who must therefore tell the agent to cease and desist.

These solutions are obvious, honest, and will eliminate the perception of private agendas and conflicts of interest.

Newtown must honor and support the perception and the reality that no conflict of interest or private agendas, real or perceived, will be tolerated, thus preventing the inevitable consequence of inaction.

Bruce Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                         March 30, 2011