To The Editor:

Here is why it is so important for the State Representative to have a seat at the Connecticut General assembly table.

There is now a Newtown Middle School committee studying the viability of building a new middle school. It hopes to complete the study and present a referendum to the voters by mid to late 2027. Included in the economic evaluation is the percentage of state reimbursement Newtown taxpayers will receive for the school build. That will directly affect the amount of bonding the town needs to pay for the school.

The rough estimate on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) proposal is $135,000,000. Presently, the state suggests reimbursement of 26.7% of the $135 million or $36,045,000. That leaves Newtown taxpayers paying $98,955,000. The reimbursement rate is negotiable and a direct reflection on our State Representative. Since Mitch was elected, our percentage of state reimbursement has steadily declined. Why? Because he has had no seat at the table. Other Connecticut towns with more influential State Representatives have seen reimbursement rates as high as 80%.

Michelle Ku will have an influential seat at the table and will save our taxpayers money. Rather than 26.7%, if we had a reimbursement rate of even 45%, we would save $60,750,000, a difference of $24,705,000 in our favor!

Having a seat at the table matters!

Elect Michelle Ku on November 3 and Newtown will have a seat at the table!

Laura Cooper

Newtown