Owner-Operators Are An Asset

To The Town

To the Editor:

Many Newtowners feel strongly about maintaining the present owner-operator bus system. I am one of them.

Newtown’s O-Os contribute to the well-being of the community in many important ways. O-Os donated their services and buses during the entire night of the June Relay For Life. They brought people from Dickinson Park to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. Two O-Os allowed their buses to be used as drop-off points for food donations to restock Newtown’s depleted food pantry. O-Os volunteer without fanfare or recognition because they care about the community.

In some instances, Newtown’s system of owner-operator bus drivers saves the town money. For example, when new students move into the district, O-Os shift their bus routes to pick them up. In the present system, there is no financial gain to an O-O in adding another bus route as there might be for a bus company. Because O-Os pay taxes like every citizen of Newtown, they have an interest in containing the cost of government.

While being a good neighbor is important, Newtown’s owner-operators must provide their services at a competitive price. I urge the Board of Education to instruct its business manager to broaden the bidding specs to allow the O-Os to place a bid. Given what they have contributed to Newtown, its the right thing to do.

Sincerely,

Jan Lee Brookes

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                                June 21, 2011