A Challenge

To Voters

To the Editor:

As some of us know, with the spring daffodils so comes the town and school budget referendum, which is set for April 25 at the Newtown Middle School. The reason I say “some of us know” is meant to reflect that like a sleepy spring groundhog, much of Newtown must also be sleeping in late April.

This could be one possible explanation for the poor voter turnout that we have each year for this event, which brings multimillion-dollar implications to each and every taxpayer. Isn’t it mind-boggling that only one in three folks voted last April? Considering that less than one in four voters turned out in November for our local election, I think we need to wake up and get to the polls!

Don’t we live in a hallowed democracy for which men and women are to this day, fighting and dying to protect? Seriously, and with all due respect, let’s get out and vote like we appreciate their sacrifices, and this vital freedom we have!

Research done over the last two years on voter turnout by Citizens for Newtown, a former local political action group, suggested that for every two married females who voted, only one spouse managed to get to the polls. This is something we can turn around easily by reminding spouses, friends, and neighbors to vote on April 25, and by utilizing the absentee ballot privilege if unable to attend the vote.

The application for the absentee ballot is available online at www.newtown-ct.gov. From there, go to the link for “Town Departments,” then click on the Registrar of Voters link to download a ballot.

An absentee ballot can also be completed in person Saturday, April 22, between 9 am and noon, at the town clerk’s office at Edmond Town Hall.

I propose to offer you “The Newtown Challenge!”

Let’s aim for 50 percent voter turnout for the budget referendum. When Newtown succeeds in passing the budget the first time, it indicates a strong town with strong fiscal management and voter confidence.

This year’s budget is no exception to lean budgets presented to us in past years. But if we all want to do our part to keep taxes as low as possible, it’s important to remember that passing the budget the first time is also a factor in maintaining a strong bond rating.

That allows us to borrow money for large capital projects at a lower interest rate going forward, and to renegotiate some debt service on better terms. Moody’s bond rating has grown stronger over the years due to strong fiscal management and voters can do our part by supporting reasonable budgets. This saves us heaps of money over time and who isn’t in favor of saving money? Meanwhile, our first selectman and state representative can continue to fight for property tax reform at the state level.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I’ll see you at the polls, Tuesday, April 25, at Newtown Middle School on Queen Street between 6 am and 8 pm.

Sarah Beier

7 Yogananda Street, Sandy Hook                                    April 5, 2006