Newtown’s Version Of ‘The Sting’

To the Editor:

I’m sure many of you remember the great 1970s movie The Sting, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. It is the story of two confidence men that pull off an elaborate scam against a Chicago mobster. In the movie, Newman says the key to a successful con is to never let the intended victim, the “mark,” know what really happened.

The taxpayers of Newtown are now about to participate in their own version of The Sting, with Redford and Newman being replaced by Herb Rosenthal and Bob Geckle. On Monday night, Fairfield Hills Authority and the Board of Selectmen met separately to discuss the new town hall, the Newtown Youth Academy, the Newtown Hall lease, and the cost of the infrastructure (parking and utilities) for Fairfield Hills. Guess what they finally figured out? Notwithstanding Mr Rosenthal’s declaration during the November election to the contrary, the authority does not have enough money from the original $21 million appropriation to complete the town hall, the necessary utilities infrastructure, and the demolition of certain buildings for parking.

Given the importance of both completing the infrastructure that will serve Fairfield Hills and the demolition of several of the buildings, some of which may be filled with asbestos or other hazardous materials, one would think that the authority and the Board of Selectmen would consider abandoning the town hall project (a project that the majority of taxpayers oppose), direct some of the funding to complete the permanent infrastructure and building demolition, and rethink the use of Bridgeport Hall for a senior or community center, either of which the taxpayers would be more willing to support.

Here is, unfortunately, what the authority intends to do. First, they are going to use the remaining bond funds to complete the town hall and install some temporary parking and utility services. Then they intend to come back to you, the taxpayer, and argue that permanent installation of the utility infrastructure and demolition is now critical and must be funded with a new appropriation.

Furthermore, Herb Rosenthal, with Mr Geckle’s full support, is prepared to argue that the authority has the right to move forward with these measures, free of oversight from either the Board of Selectman or the Legislative Council. Are you starting to feel like you’re being conned?

It is time for taxpayers to start fighting back. With the vote on the budget and high school expansion, the voters in Newtown showed that they, more than some of our public officials, understand our town’s priorities. Let your voices be heard. Contact your public officials and tell them this proposal is unacceptable. Show them you have more common sense and good judgment than the “mark” Mr Rosenthal and Mr Geckle consider you to be.              

Robert Murray

Chairman-IPN

19 Farm Meadow Road, Newtown                                  May 21, 2008