Vote To Support Education

By CURT CLARK

Published: May 11, 2012 12:00 am

To the Editor:

I am writing to ask that you vote Yes in the May 15 referendum and support education in Newtown. I strongly believe that any further reduction to the education budget will be harmful to our existing programs.

Each year the Board of Education is faced with the task of approving a budget which meets the needs of keeping our existing educational programs intact, while moving the district forward. This year, the board passed forward a budget we unanimously felt accomplished just that. The Board of Finance, using information gained after the Board of Education approved their budget, found savings and made recommendations to reduce the budget another $700,000 in commodities, with no impact to educational programs. The final budget was passed forward to the Legislative Council who saw fit to pass that budget onto the voters with no reductions.

As this budget was not supported by the taxpayers, the Legislative Council removed $1 million from the education budget. This reduction will, in my opinion, cause the board to have to make some difficult decisions with regard to programs. Please join me in supporting education on May 15.

Debbie Leidlein

Chair, Newtown Board of Education

Little Brook Lane, Newtown Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 8, 2012

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Here is how Wilton's elected officials supported their budget, From the Wilton Paper: Please join us at the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) on Tuesday, May 6 and cast your vote on the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education budgets, as well as the mill rate and bonding referendums — collectively known as the ‘ATM Recommendations’. These recommendations reflect our community’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, outstanding education, and effective town services.

Says Referendum Process ‘Lacking Leadership’

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

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.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

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