Republican Newsletter Cites

‘Unprecedented Cooperation’ On CIP

By John Voket

The latest informational newsletter from the Newtown Republican’s communications subcommittee is quick to point out that “unprecedented cooperation between boards and commissions” resulted in maximizing potential to fund a number of important town projects, while keeping the town’s debt expenditures under its prescribed ten percent cap.

The document also addresses the current status of the town’s proposed 2010-2011 budget process, noting the Board of Finance has presented a plan accounting for a 0.15 percent increase to the town, and a 1.03 percent increase to the school district over the current year’s spending.

The document breaks down numerous areas on both sides of the proposed budget where savings, or potential savings, have already been identified. The publication, which is produced by a committee that includes both Katherine Fetchick and Mary Ann Jacob, the vice chairs, respectively, of the Board of Education and Legislative Council, also clarifies that while 30 percent of the town’s teaching staff is making less money in the current budget than in the 2008-2009 budget, 70 percent are making more.

It also notes that since 2003, the school budget has increased by 36 percent, while overall enrollment has decreased to numbers the district has not seen since 2003.

The document concludes, “Republicans believe only structural changes in the way services are delivered will get us through this economic crisis. The sky is not falling.”

It notes that Newtown needs “to rely on the very competent town employees who are on the ground and closest to the problem. They will be our best resource in getting through this crisis.”