To The Editor:

Thank you to all who came out and voted in the referendum. Congratulations to the members of our town who recognized that the rejected budget was not in our best interest.

We face a unique challenge; ensuring that Newtown remains affordable for the seniors who built our community, the young adults who represent our future, and everyone in between. Think along the lines, needs versus wants.

While the budget did not pass, I view this result not as a setback, but as a clear message from residents that further work is required to ensure our spending matches our shared priorities. Along with Ben Ruben and Steve Stolfi, I rejected both the town and education budgets in the council meeting. Many of you have expressed significant concerns about the substantial rise in taxes of the past few years.

A failed vote is a demand for a more realistic plan that respects the taxpayer’s wallet while still protecting essential services. The council will immediately regroup to identify additional spending reductions to better align with the community’s expectations.

This is not the end of the process, but a critical opportunity to build a budget that appeals to a broader majority of our residents. I remain committed to finding a compromise that ensures the long-term fiscal health of our town. It is time to sharpen the pencil!

Donna Rahtelli

Sandy Hook