To the Editor:

As Shakespeare once wrote in Hamlet: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” So it seems is the case of the Commission on Aging. [“Commission On Aging Chair Says Meeting, Agenda Likely Violated FOI Laws,” Bee, 4/17/15.] Are they fighting for or against the seniors in our town? The Chairman Curt Symes holds a “Secret Squirrel” meeting that is not attended by all the board members, because oh yeah, they were not invited! Hmmm… That sounds a bit deceitful? The meeting was needed to discuss “financial” and “personnel” matters? Really, are we expected to believe that? Why can’t finances be discussed during the regular meeting when the public is invited to attend and participate? (Unless there is something to hide?) And again, if “personnel” matters are being discussed, why aren’t all the commissioners invited…unless of course there is “something rotten in the commission?”

Maybe this is the perfect time for leadership change in the Commission on Aging? Curt Symes has been chair for three long years. And, six members have resigned under his dictatorship. Doesn’t anyone see this to be a problem? And did I mention Symes has a business on the side that caters to the needs of the seniors…a little conflict in interest perhaps? Maybe without Symes, the commission could then finally start to focus on the needs of the seniors. Maybe the seniors could actually become involved with the commission and have the senior wants and needs heard instead of the agenda of Symes? (Whatever that may be.)

On April 16 when Governor Malloy honored the seniors of Newtown at the Newtown Senior Center, where was the chair or co-chair of the Commission on Aging? I did not see them in the packed room standing proudly with First Selectperson Llodra, Senior Director Place, and several state and local representatives? Something smells rotten in the Commission on Aging!

Here is another novel idea, why not have the Commission on Aging meetings in the day time when seniors would actually participate (instead of secret meetings or under the cloak of night?) How many times can this suggestion be ignored as well? Is the commission afraid that the seniors might actually share their input with the commission on what we want for a change and not what they think we want?

I was one of the COA members also recently resigned.

Karin Aurelia

PO Box 433, Newtown                                               April 21, 2015