Occupation: I am retired after working for 35 years for the state, first with the state highway department and then at Fairfield Hills where I was in maintenance. Years ago, I worked at Fabric Fire Hose.

By JAN HOWARD

Published: Mar 13, 2001 12:00 am

Occupation: I am retired after working for 35 years for the state, first with the state highway department and then at Fairfield Hills where I was in maintenance. Years ago, I worked at Fabric Fire Hose.

How Long in Newtown: In 1939 I began spending summers and days off here and moved here permanently in 1941. Prior to Newtown, I lived in Bridgeport.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: The whole town is a big change.

Family: My wife, Josephine, and I have been married for 54 years. She is a native of Newtown. We have two children. Michael works for the State of Connecticut, and he and his wife, Melita, live in Watertown. Susan is married to Dennis Petty and lives in Newtown. They have two children, John, who is 20, and Robert, 17.

Pets: We have a granddog, who belongs to our daughter next door. We always had animals, and we enjoy her.

Hobbies: I play a little golf and play with wood in the cellar. Iâm making a bluebird house right now. Jo and I volunteer at the Connecticut Welcome Center at exit two of I-84.

Favorite TV Show: JAG

Organizations: I have been a member of the Sandy Hook Fire Department since 1946. I drove the ambulance for 20 years. Iâm a eucharistic minister at St Rose Church.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: Newtown was a quaint little town when we first started here. We knew everybody in town back then.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Weâve gone to Florida for the past ten years, but we like to travel all over the country. Weâve been almost everywhere in the United States. Alaska is beautiful. The midnight sun is something to see. I took a photograph of Jo in our motor home at 12:30 in the morning without a flash.

Personal Philosophy: I think the world is going so fast, you seem to be on a gyro. I feel we need to make sure we put the right people in office to make sure things are done for the people who deserve it, such as older people. A country as rich as we are should have a health insurance program for everyone. Other countries have one, and we should, too.

SNAPSHOT

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

MICHAEL LUCAS

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The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

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I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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Occupation: I am retired after working for 35 years for the state, first with the state highway department and then at Fairfield Hills where I was in maintenance. Years ago, I worked at Fabric Fire Hose.

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