Marketing

Taxes

To the Editor:

Now that the first Newtown budget referendum has failed, it is time to try and determine why. Obviously, the rejection was certainly not a mandate, given the budget was defeated by 51 percent to 49 percent of the vote. However, it may be that the fact that this was the first Newtown budget that broke the $100 million barrier. Council member Daniel Amaral is also probably correct that more voters might have supported the referendum if the increase was closer to three percent, which is more in line with inflation and typical annual salary increases.

One issue, however, that still hangs in the air is the planned $10 million to be spent on a new town hall. I am sure it is difficult for many Newtown citizens to swallow a $100 million-plus budget when the town is still planning on wasting what amounts to ten percent of the proposed budget. The fact is that virtually no one wants this money spent on a new town hall, particularly when our elected officials still have not even bothered to put a comprehensive Fairfield Hills plan in place.

The town did, however, make a valiant effort in trying to sell the voters that the increase per family would only amount to $15 to $25 more per month per family. Unfortunately, what I am feeling as other Newtown taxpayers may be as well are my property taxes increasing 23 percent over the past three years. I guess whether you are trying to sell toothpaste or taxes, it’s all about the marketing.

Phil Dinielli

9 Copper Creek Circle, Newtown                                   April 25, 2007