Half Truths And Worse

To the Editor:

In the September 18, 2009, Letter Hive [“More Public Oversight Needed”], Bill Furrier, IPN candidate for selectman, submitted yet another “flight of fantasy” masquerading as a serious letter to the editor. Like his prior letters and those of many of his IPN colleagues, Mr Furrier resorted to half truths, and some outright untruthful comments.

I had little confidence in Mr Furrier in his former position as chairman of the Public Building and Site Commission (PB&SC), which was somewhat dysfunctional during his tenure as chair. My lack of confidence was subsequently confirmed. Bill Furrier was the chairman when the bids for the high school addition came in way over the approved budget. Yet, he still recommended to the Board of Education that they ask the voters for an additional $6 million. He stood up and argued at a joint meeting that if the project was rebid, not only would there be no savings, but also the delay might cost an additional $8 million! Fortunately, voters rejected the additional funding. After he quit the PB&SC, the project was rebid at a savings to the taxpayers of approximately $7 million!

Despite my misgivings about his ability, and contrary to his letter, I recommended to the Board of Selectmen that the PB&SC have supervisory control of the only building construction project that the town has had at Fairfield Hills, the new municipal building. I also asked the PB&SC to supervise the addition to the senior center. Those were the only two Board of Selectmen-initiated building construction jobs during my tenure as first selectman. Previously, at my request, members of the PB&SC participated in the selection process for the architect for the municipal building and the landscape architect for the new ball field, parking lots, and general landscape design at Fairfield Hills. In addition, the late Frank Krasnickas, the well-respected former PB&SC chairman, participated in the original selection process for O&G Industries to be program managers and design builders for the entire Fairfield Hills project.

We are very fortunate that the PB&SC liaison for the municipal building has been Jim Juliano. He has over 40 years of experience in plumbing, hvac, mechanical and general construction of large building projects. We once again have a very good PB&SC under the leadership of Chairman Bob Mitchell, an architect and construction manager, along with Jim Juliano and the other experienced members of the commission.

It is true that Mr Furrier and I disagreed on interpretations of the charter and the public building ordinance with regard to the duties and responsibilities of the commission, but the town attorney supported my position. Despite Mr. Furrier’s belittling attempt, words do have meaning in legal documents.

When Mr Furrier quit the PB&SC in September 2008, he said it was to spend more time with his family. Fortunately, voters have two other candidates to choose, who will both be excellent selectmen and Bill Furrier can get his original wish.

Sincerely,

Herb Rosenthal

70 Main Street, Newtown                                    September 30, 2009