Why Don’t

People Vote?

To the Editor:

Why don’t people vote?

Because government doesn’t pay any attention anyway, so why vote! Civic-minded persons learned in school it was their duty to vote and they do. Others used to vote, but they have been so disappointed with elected officials, they have decided voting is a waste of time. A third group lacks the information to make an informed decision, so they, too, give up. That suits government just fine; keep them ignorant.

In Newtown, citizens voted down the selectmen’s Master Plan for Fairfield Hills. In spite of the vote, the selectmen found a way — going to the State Legislature for a Special Act — to give the selectmen absolute control of Fairfield Hill by creating an authority, composed of persons who do as they are told. The authority plans to spend $1 million to supposedly construct a walking trail for the handicapped, and millions more to convert Bridgeport Hall into a town hall, the one building on the campus that all citizens could utilize as a community center.

Why would the town spend $49,000 for a traffic study to improve conditions on Queen Street at the same time the authority plans to bring hundreds of cars each day into Fairfield Hills as they commercialize the property? $49,000 would have educated five or six children.

I don’t know if the authority can sell municipal bonds without the approval of our citizens. Let’s hope not. But if they ask for more money, to squander Bridgeport Hall, beware. While high school students sit in portable classrooms, our tax dollars are frittered away.

I’ve been told a petition is circulating for another referendum; track it down if you want to sign it. Whether the next budget vote is by town meeting or referendum, I still urge readers to vote. Make your own decisions, but by all means, let your voice be heard.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                              May 17, 2006