Be A Part Of The Process
Be A Part Of The Process
To the Editor:
Last week, after hearing the results of the budget vote, and as a supporter of it, I was of course disappointed that it did not pass. However, two specific things were really the most disappointing.
First, I was disheartened at the incredibly low voter turnout. Are there really only 22 percent of the Newtown voters who care about what happens in town? I donât think so. I think that many of the people who chose not to vote today are the same people who will be the first to complain when their child is not supported by the public education system in the way they think is appropriate, or their husband/father/brother/mother/sister/child in need is not protected by the police or emergency services.
Many of the people we emailed, phoned, and sent letters to all seemed sick of all the reminders. Yet, after reaching over 4,000 voters by these direct methods and reaching countless others that read reminder signs, letters to The Bee and viewed Channel 17 coverage, only 3,500 came out to vote! Your vote does count.
Second, someone who wanted the vote to be defeated was seen stealing the âVote Yesâ signs from various parts of town, driving a white Chrysler minivan. I wonder... were your children or grandchildren with you when you chose this particular avenue of dissent? What messages are you sending those entrusted to your care about the democratic process? You might be more comfortable in a nondemocratic country that squashes all opposition and does not believe in free speech. Maybe next time you could choose a more traditional avenue for your opinion rather than stealing from private property?
I am truly a supporter of the democratic process and if a lower budget is what the majority wants, then thatâs what the majority should get. But I donât think that having only 22 percent of the vote is a majority, nor do I think the tactics mentioned above by the opposition are in the spirit of a true democracy.
This voteâs margin was only 53 people. Next round, donât leave it up to someone else to decide the fate of your town. The revised referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 9, at Newtown Middle School between 6 am and 8 pm. Decide to make a difference now.
Mary Ann Jacob
65 Mohawk Trail, Sandy Hook May 2, 2006