To The Editor:

I am writing to urge my fellow Newtown residents to vote NO on the upcoming budget referendum on April 28th.

The proposed budget continues a troubling trend: rising taxes that are making our town increasingly unaffordable for the very people who built and sustain it — hardworking families and senior citizens on fixed incomes. If the referendum passes, Newtown property taxes will increase 2.79% this year, while last year they increased 6.7% and in 2024 they increased 3.8%, for a three-year total of 13.29%. These tax increases are not viable long-term, and it is irresponsible to keep pushing forward budgets that increase spending without necessary cuts.

We do not have to speculate about the impact — our own tax data tells the story.

There are currently 190 delinquent real estate tax accounts, totaling $631,491.

200 delinquent personal property tax accounts, totaling $172,692.

915 delinquent motor vehicle tax accounts, totaling $311,342.

Behind every delinquent account is a household struggling to keep up. These are our neighbors — families trying to manage rising costs and seniors forced to make tough decisions about whether they can afford to remain in the community they have called home for decades, or even a lifetime.

At some point we must ask: when is enough, enough?

We all value our strong schools, quality town services, and a vibrant community. But those priorities must be balanced with affordability and fiscal discipline. Continually raising taxes without addressing spending pressures risks pushing more residents to the brink — and out of Newtown altogether. It is why a bi-partisan group of legislative council members, including myself, voted against the education budget and why all Republican members of the Legislative Council voted against the municipal and education budgets a couple of weeks ago.

The reason: a 4.34% spending increase, adding $5.8 million to our town budget.

A “No” vote is not a rejection of our town — it is a call for a more sustainable path forward. It is a message that we must do better in managing growth, controlling costs, and protecting the financial well-being of our residents. It is being responsible and thoughtful with all our hard-earned tax dollars!

I urge voters to Vote NO on the budget referendum next week on Tuesday.

The views expressed are my own and not of the Newtown Legislative Council of which I am an elected member.

Steve Stolfi

Newtown