Don’t Waste More Money

And Time On The Charter

To The Editor:

It’s difficult to see how wasting thousands of volunteer hours and tens of thousands of dollars will improve Newtown’s charter a year or more from now.

That’s basically what our political leaders are urging… apparently because 30 days isn’t enough time for them to name six people to a Board of Finance and to find two appointed positions for our highly capable selectmen.

Is it somehow more valuable to appoint 12 people to another Charter Revision Commission, ask them to hold public hearings, interview boards and commissions and supposedly get the same results by working another year? Is it good use of taxpayer money to hire another charter revision attorney (and maybe a second attorney, so their work can be challenged), and place a $3,000 Newtown Bee legal ad (then redo it for another $3,000)?

Working all year, the just-disbanded Charter Revision Commission spent less than $10,000, including ads, clerk’s fees, and legal counsel. In a few months, the Legislative Council spent $20,000 in legal and advertising fees opposing the commission they appointed.

Naming another Charter Revision Commission will not produce the same results. The makeup of any new group will be different, as will the charges it receives. It’s also patently illegal to tell a charter panel what its final results should be.

Now is the time to address the real issues, not hide behind excuses. The charter revisions on the ballot November 6 will benefit our town as soon as they are implemented. Newtown is facing some major financial decisions. A Board of Finance which meets monthly – not just at budget time – will be immediately valuable. Thirty days is not too soon. Please vote “yes” on all five ballot questions.

Sincerely,

Jane Sharpe, Member

2000-2001 Charter Revision Commission

62 Underhill Road, Sandy Hook                                   October 24, 2001