Charter Revision Is A Good Thing

To the Editor:

If something is a good thing, then you should do it. The Charter Revision is a good thing, and therefore it deserves a YES vote. Let’s be sure that we understand that a no vote will, in all likelihood, result in the abandonment of the current Charter Revision Committee, the formation of a new committee that will revisit all the issues again, and, in all probability, the voters will not have this opportunity again until 2006! In my opinion, a short-term transition problem is much more favorable than a five-year delay.

In addition, we recently had “voice vote” approval by several hundred people at the Newtown High School involving $45 million for Fairfield Hills and the 5/6 School. I favor both projects. However, I strongly feel that both projects should have been placed on a referendum for voter approval. Organized, vested interest groups tend to instill a mob mentality atmosphere in voice votes at town meetings. This is one thing for a minor item or two, but quite another thing for $45 million. The Charter Revision addresses this issue, and has placed approval limits at four levels – first selectman, Legislative Council, town meeting, and referendum.

With a $72 million budget and several high cost items being discussed, Newtown needs to have accountability in the first selectman’s office, a proper approval process for expenditures, and a Board of Finance for year-round planning and budgets. For these and other sound and valid reasons, Newtown voters should vote YES on all five Charter Revision proposals.

Sincerely

George Lincoln

34 Echo Valley Road, Newtown                                  October 24, 2001