Wanted: Guidance On The Budget

To the Editor:

In November, I was reelected to the Legislative Council in District 1. I was elected to represent your thoughts and ideas regarding issues that are important to the town. This is now my third budget process as a council member and I’m looking for your help. I have carefully read both the budgets submitted by the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education. I have attended the presentations that both of these boards made to the Board of Finance. I attended the public hearing with the Board of Finance and finally, this past Monday, the Board of Finance meeting where they deliberated and voted on the budget.

I have listened to detailed questions raised by the Board of Finance and the detailed responses to those questions. I have heard eloquent and passionate statements about the direction that Newtown is heading. In all these meetings, I have heard enormous public support for the budgets as submitted. I also realize that there are residents who are uncomfortable speaking in a public forum. However, that does not mean that your opinions should not be considered.

The Legislative Council will be considering this budget over the next several weeks and is charged with approving a budget that will go to a town vote on April 27. It is imperative that we understand how you feel about this budget. Especially if you are inclined to vote No, we need to understand your reasons and your specific concerns with this budget. I welcome your opinions or questions, either through email (Miassogna@aol.com) or by phone (270-7443).

I want to submit a budget that will pass the first time. I will certainly represent all your thoughts and ideas to achieve this goal.

Sincerely,

Mike Iassogna

Legislative Council, District 1

42 Brookwood Drive, Newtown                                       March 9, 2004