Budget Plan Is An Appropriate Response To The Voters

To the Editor:

The original budget would have given Board of Education a 2.04 percent increase over last year or approximately $1.38 million. The Board of Selectmen would have received a 0.4 percent increase or about $120,000 to their operational budget. After the failed referendum and the $1 million cut the Legislative Council made to the Board of Education budget, they are still receiving 0.6 percent or $384,000 more than last year, bringing their spending increase closer in line with that of the Board of Selectmen.

I voted for the original budget because I believe the taxpayers should be allowed to decide issues like full-day kindergarten. The voters spoke, and the Legislative Council made an adjustment to the budget it felt was appropriate considering the scale of the rejection. Some believe the council did not cut deep enough; others think we went too far. I am hopeful there are enough Newtowners who see it as I do; an appropriate response to the budget defeat. I am also hopeful those want this budget approved will join me in by going to the polls and voting Yes on Tuesday. As a leader in town, I will continue to work for the reforms necessary to find efficiencies in delivering both municipal and educational services and to reduce their burden on the taxpayer.

DISCLAIMER: While I am a member and chairman of the Newtown Legislative Council, these are my thoughts and as such should not to be interpreted as official council communication.

Jeff Capeci

52 Bear Hills Road, Newtown                                        May 9, 2012