To The Editor:

Newtown has recently seen some of the highest tax increases in many years thanks to the Democrat majorities on both the Legislative Council and Board of Selectmen.

Two years ago, Newtown voters made their voices heard by rejecting at referendum a very high proposed education budget, passed by the Democrat controlled Legislative Council. This year, the Democrat controlled Legislative Council also passed on to the voters budgets with significant increases. This is apparently a “more is always better” fiscal strategy.

However, it is important that our elected town officials consider the taxpayer when deliberating and passing budgets. And it is disingenuous for those who claim that considering the taxpayer is a vote against education or town services. After all, if you can’t afford your property taxes, everything else becomes secondary.

This year’s budget drove a significant tax increase of 6.72% overall, funding $91.7 million for the schools and $49.9 million for the town. Yet despite this significant increase, only a small percentage of eligible voters participated in the budget referendum — just 4,287 voters out of 18,310 (23%).

So, neighbors, if you didn’t have a chance to vote on the budgets, I urge you to elect leaders on all boards who will prioritize both quality services AND fiscal responsibility. Again, if you can’t afford your property taxes, everything else becomes secondary.

Vote for the Republican team — Row B — committed to keeping Newtown affordable for all.

Michele Buzzi

Newtown