Does Everyone Really

Support Education?

To the Editor:

Your article “Budget Discussion Sparks Fairfield Hill Debate” gives the impression that the whole town “supports education.” The meeting, where the question was asked, “How many are here to support education?” met with a rush of hands gives the impression that the entire town supports the school budget.

Based on the last referendum vote, 70 people represent only 2.8 percent of the Yes voters and only 1.3 percent of the total people who voted. The council members should listen to the voters and not just a vocal majority who show up at meetings. I also take exception to the consideration given to the Yes voters when considering cuts. For years past, the budget passed by slim margins and I never heard someone say, “We better cut spending in consideration of all those who voted No.” If education is public, it should be funded by the public, not just homeowners. Parents who send their children to public school should consider it a free bus ride paid by the property owners. If they want their children to drive a Mercedes they should consider sending them to private school instead of asking the taxpayers to buy them each a car

Ronald Polard

5 Point O’ Rocks Road, Newtown                                    May 29, 2007