Take a Stand, Make A Difference

To the Editor:

We can feel it and we’re sure you do too. There’s a somber mood in our country these days, at least if you go by what we see in the media. The war in Iraq, terrorism threats, rising unemployment, budget deficits –– even the most optimistic among us are struggling to keep a positive outlook.

Around Newtown, the news is about the town budget and the impact of revaluation on property taxes. For most folks, taxes are likely heading up. Some people say they’ve had enough. They’re determined to have their say. Even if their voices aren’t heard at the federal and state levels, they will make sure they are heard on budget day in Newtown. It’s the only governmental budget they have an opportunity to vote on and they’re determined to vote No. And that’s their right in our democratic society. On budget day, some of our fellow citizens will put their personal interests ahead of the community’s interest and vote No.

Where do you stand?

For generations, the one factor that has made this country great has been the consistent willingness of our fellow citizens to set personal interests aside in pursuit of the common good. That unfailing American optimism, that positive, can-do spirit has allowed us to overcome tremendous adversity and achieve that which many thought was impossible. But it frequently meant taking a stand, and oftentimes meant sacrifices. For some, pursuing the common good meant the ultimate sacrifice, whether on the battlefields at Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, the shores of Normandy, Korea, the Mekong Delta, or today in the deserts and villages of Iraq. Even in the worst economic times –– far worse than today, Americans have rallied together, dug a little deeper, and sacrificed a bit more to support their neighbors, their communities. Rather than ask, “What’s in it for me?” people before us asked, “How can I help?” That’s what made our country great.

In light of where we’ve been, maybe today doesn’t seem quite so bad after all. So here’s where we stand.

We’re voting Yes on Tuesday. We’re voting Yes to increase our own taxes –– in fact, increase them by several thousand dollars. In comparison to what others have given in the past, it seems like a rather small sacrifice in pursuit of our common good in Newtown. We’re voting Yes for better roads, quality schools, and more open space. We’re voting Yes to make a positive statement about our community and our future. We’re voting Yes for a better tomorrow, a brighter future filled with hope and promise for our children and grandchildren. We’re voting Yes to make a difference.

Others have the right to vote No. That’s what makes America great. But the people who say Yes, who are willing to remain positive in the face of adversity, who are willing to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow, who value the common good over personal gain, those are the people who for generations have made America great.

See you at the polls. Bring your kids. Show them a great American. Vote Yes.

Ted & Susan Ruddock

14 Equestrian Ridge Road, Newtown                         April 16, 2003