The Voters Chose Newtown
To The Editor:
This past Tuesday, the residents of Newtown sent a clear and resounding message: we stand united for our community.
By voting YES, we acknowledged the challenges ahead — not with fear, but with resolve. We chose to protect what makes Newtown special and invest in the future we all share.
Had the referendum failed, the consequences would have been immediate and deeply felt. Critical town services would have faced cuts. The quality of education for our children would have suffered. Our library, a cornerstone of knowledge and connection, would have been at risk. The high school roof would continue to leak, the Community Center pool ceiling would keep deteriorating, the Edmond Town Hall would remain in disrepair, and a hazardous bridge would continue to pose a threat to safety.
These are not abstract issues — they are our collective responsibility. They are the threads that make up the fabric of our town and contribute to the quality of life we cherish. Ignoring them doesn’t make the problems disappear; it only makes them worse and more expensive to fix in the long run.
We knew that turning a blind eye or kicking the can down the road wasn’t an option. And I’m proud that, as a community, we recognized that reality and stood together to face it.
No one enjoys paying higher taxes. But when the need is real, and your neighbors stand shoulder to shoulder with you, you rise to the occasion. And that’s exactly what Newtown did this week.
After 32 years of living here, I can say without hesitation: what we did on Tuesday was one of this community’s finest moments. We chose action over apathy, and unity over complacency. We chose Newtown.
Alex Villamil
Sandy Hook
I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don’t care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way.
It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn’t mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed.
Voting no wasn’t a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.