The Logic Behind The $176,000 Education Budget Cut

To the Editor:

As a member of the Legislative Council, I would like to explain my April 5 budget vote to the residents of Newtown’s Third District. In my estimation, the front page article in the April 7 edition of The Bee failed to explain the justification behind the motion that passed 10-2.

Newtown taxpayers are burdened each year with the increasing cost of providing town services. Expenses such as energy escalate, state funds to municipalities shrink and in Newtown, school enrollments continue to increase. The Board of Finance found $350,000 in savings on a $ 96.5 million budget. Upon completion of my own assessment, I found these cuts justifiable.

In the time that lapsed between the finance board’s budget review and the council deliberations, the town received good news with regard to health insurance. A favorable claims history last year resulted in a lower than expected increase in premiums. The Board of Education savings amounted to $176,000 while the municipal savings was $100,000. When I voted on the budget, I chose to pass these savings on to the taxpayer. This action does not adversely affect the quality education we continue to provide our children nor does it reduce other town services. Further, in the likely event the state energy assistance funds are approved, these dollars should more than offset the education funds cut by the Board of Finance.

As we strive to meet the growing demands on our schools, invest in Fairfield Hills, and manage the burdens an increasing population places on our town, Newtown’s cost base will continue to rise. In an effort to lessen this burden, I believe we must not only seek savings when prudent to do so, but to also find additional ways to generate revenue. I will continue to work toward these ends. I encourage all eligible Newtowners not only to come out and vote for the budget on next Tuesday, April 25, but that you ask your spouses, friends, and neighbors to participate as well. I believe this budget best reflects our values and will help to prepare us for the needs of our growing town.

Jeffrey Capeci

52 Bear Hills Road, Newtown                                    April 19, 2006