Help Choose A Direction

For Newtown

To the Editor:

I am a member of the Legislative Council but writing on my own behalf. My purpose is to request the voters for two things:

1) Most importantly, please take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the referendum vote on May 15 at the middle school. We are very lucky to have this right as some countries do not have this option. Bring your children and educate them as to why it is important — especially in the way they can affect the direction of their own local community.

2) I ask you for your support of this budget proposal. Both the municipal and the education budgets are adequate and reasonable. The overall increase in taxes is 1.28 percent. The municipal budget is sound and demonstrates the effort to consolidate and streamline services. We also now have a plan in place to consolidate town and school services. Finally, in an effort to provide greater transparency, accountability and build trust, the Board of Education changed a very significant policy. The school administration cannot add staff that was not in the budget without the prior approval of the Board of Education. Also in the policy, the school administration cannot transfer more than $10,000 without the prior approval of the Board of Education. Now, the Board of Education will be part of the decisionmaking process and there will be the ability for the Board of Education to have a public discussion about spending and staff changes.

I see many positive changes and a desire to change the way we do business in Newtown. I hope to see you at the polls. As always, I am available to you if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Kathy Fetchick

18 Clapboard Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                        May 9, 2012