Wanted: Common Sense Solutions

By CURT CLARK

Published: May 12, 2006 12:00 am

To the Editor:

Many children are served by the Newtown school system. Some children learn differently than others. The schools need many different programs to educate the many children they serve. Teachers work hard and deserve at least the compensation they receive, as do the people in the many occupations that permit the school system to function.

Danny Amaral deserves kudos and thanks for his thoughtful suggestion as to how to reduce the school budget without hurting the quality of education of our children.

Similar common sense, or out of the box solutions, need to be found. It is unlikely that the only way to save money within a school budget of over $60 million is by cutting the compensation of staff or the elimination of educational programs. The Board of Education needs to develop financial incentive programs to reward the most knowledgeable people for reducing the school budget, the school employees. Additionally, the yearly evaluation of the superintendent by the Board of Education should include a category to reward the superintendent for cost reductions that are adopted and proven effective without impairing educational programs.

Another critical issue noted by The Bee at the council meeting (April 28, 2006 article) concerned how, if at all, the defeated budget should be changed. Different people proposed different ideas: to put forward the same budget, to put more money into the budget, to reduce the selectmenâs budget and the school budget in different ways. Presently the town is working on revising the town charter. True democracy, openness in government, and clarity of choice require the revised town charter to give the voters of Newtown their right to vote on the two budgets separately. Before the vote, any existing sheltering of costs of one budget within the other budget needs to be removed. If the vote is against a budget, allow the voter to state whether the budget should be increased or decreased. There is no other way to vote on the budgets that respects the votersâ wishes and allows them to experience openness in their government. The revised town charter needs to provide this right to Newtown voters.

James A. Bergeron

Brushy Hill Road, NewtownÂ 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 9, 2006

The Way We Were

Cindi Broughton

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Top Of The Mountain

Serving Them Well: Young Tennis Enthusiasts Gain Valuable Skills And Experiences At Camp

Congratulations on your nomination. In your announcement, you mentioned that Newtown faces real pressures, including “traffic patterns that make everyday life more stressful.” One growing concern for many residents and business owners is the repeated traffic disruption on Main Street caused by large-scale protests and rallies at the flagpole — held without a unified permitting process. Given that Main Street is a state road with a history of serious traffic and pedestrian safety issues, how would you, as First Selectman, approach the impact of these gatherings on traffic flow, public safety, and local businesses? I ask this with sincere interest in understanding how your commitment to “thoughtful planning” and “unity of action” would apply to this very real and recurring issue.

Democrats To Run Walczak For First Selectman

I appreciate Ryan’s thoughtful and grounded perspective on the need for a consistent, transparent, and lawful permitting process for large public events in Newtown. His approach reflects common sense within the framework of the law, balancing public safety, free expression, and fiscal responsibility—exactly what we should expect from our elected officials. In contrast, I was struck by Bruce Walczak’s comment suggesting that informal and "extensive discussion" are the preferred solutions to complex public issues. While there is certainly value in dialogue, the idea that decision-making should replace the thoughtful legislative process is troubling—especially coming from someone running for First Selectman.

Says ‘No’ Vote Sidestepped Due Diligence

I am grateful to The Democratic Town committee. I can vouch for the careful consideration they took in selecting our candidates. I appreciate their confidence in my managing skills to address the many issue facing Newtown. Ill be conducting listening tours over the next few months to gain a deeper understanding of my Newtown neighbors concerns and will be ready to address then day one.

There has been a rash of dog attacks, at least three that I know about on the sidewalks in town. Owners of pets need to be more attentive and respectful of their neighbors. Aggressive dogs need to be watched carefully to protect all. This is a serious issue and should be addresses not swept under a rug.

We Need A First Selectman Who Cares

I attended the meeting, and the results were reached after extensive discussion. Thats why its important to attend these high profile meeting, you see the facts yourself, As Alex, in the following letter, said the solution is not always more rules and legislation. Speaking to each other often solves issue a lot quicker with more flexibility.

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Wanted: Common Sense Solutions

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