Encouraging Debate On Important Issues

To the Editor:

I read The Newtown Bee article dated March 3, 2006, “New Advocacy Group Sparks Debate and Criticism” with great interest and anticipation. Naturally, I was expecting fair and balanced reporting about the newly formed WECAN organization. However, what became apparent was that rather than using the original press release submitted to you as it was intended, to announce the formation of a group advocating for long-term, educationally sound decisions, the article focused on undermining the credibility and assertions of the group and its founders. What I find most curious, is that the authors, John Voket and Susan Coney, failed to include quotes from anyone on the Board of Education about a group focused on educational issues.

 The article also failed to mention that as stated in the original press release, the group champions the coordination of town boards when planning for the future, rather than working within the limits of their own guidelines. I would hope that The Newtown Bee would encourage citizens to foster debate on these important issues. As stated in the article by John Kortze, “It’s their right, and to an extent, their responsibility.”

Gianine Crowell

26 Canterbury Lane, Sandy Hook                                  March 8, 2006

(Editor’s note: Board of Education Chairman Elaine McClure was contacted and asked to comment for the story referenced here. She declined to do so on the record.)