To The Editor:

I am a fiscal conservative who is concerned with how to best allocate taxpayer’s dollars. During the budget process, I have argued that, statistically, many residents in Newtown are struggling to pay their current taxes and there are hundreds of families that rely upon the food pantry to put food on their table.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle don’t seem to care. They just do what they are told, and their message seems to be, “if you can’t pay your taxes, you need to get out of Newtown.” That is especially uncaring of those on fixed incomes. I care too much about Newtown to allow that to happen so I will continue to advocate for responsible spending that still maintains town services and a good education for our students — I believe it can be done. I am currently in the minority on the Democrat controlled Legislative Council and I voted against two of the largest tax increases in recent history.

It is time for a change on the Legislative Council.

I am asking everyone, regardless of your party affiliation, to please think critically by electing Republican leadership this year.

Derek Pisani

Newtown