Borough Vote Still In Question

To the Editor:

I do not believe the recent borough vote of 11 to 9 was conducted in accordance with the charter of the borough. The charter requires a quorum to be present for a vote. In order for a quorum to be present, there must be “not less than 20 legal voters” present.

As outlined in sections 3, 5 and 6 the charter of the borough, the vote should have been conducted using a “perfected list of names arranged alphabetically of the persons entitled to vote at such a meeting. Said list is to be used as a checking list. No person shall vote at such meeting whose name does not appear on such list.” As stated in section 3 of the borough charter, one must have continuously resided within the limits of the borough for the period of six months to be entitled to vote at all meetings.

As Ms Crick said, the borough officials knew all of the people that voted Yes that evening. No “checking list” was used; therefore, it is unknown if the nine No votes placed were by resident who were entitled to vote.

If just one person, who voted No, was not entitled to vote as a resident of the borough, the quorum would not have been met which would require that the vote be rescheduled for a later date. Each time I question Ms Crick about the voting process it was to reassure her that my inquiry was not in regard to the acceptance or rejection of the budget, but about the charter processes and the legality of the vote itself.

Yes the borough is self-governing, however, the Secretary of State Elections Division, stated the elected officials of the Town of Newtown have the authority to enforce the charter of the borough. Therefore, I am calling out to all Newtown residents, who do not have the ability to participate in borough business, take this opportunity to contact First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal at 270-4201; fax: 270-4205, email: newtown@snet.net for a revote to maintain the continuity of the borough charter.

I also ask that the proof that the vote was “perfectly legal” be published in The Bee so that we can put a closure to this matter.

I feel that it is very important that a vote be done in accordance with the borough charter and not taken lightly or for granted. Once again I am requesting a new vote.

I look forward to continuing to receive inquiries at victorkrochta@aol.com or 270-8233.

Respectfully,

Victor Krochta

8 The Boulevard, Newtown                                             June 2, 2004