Unsafe Transportation

Is Not An Option

To the Editor:

As the start of a new school year begins, excitement is tempered with disappointment. Our original reason for moving to Newtown was the school system. We have had nothing but good things to say about our teachers and experiences at Middle Gate, however the general tone and focus of the town regarding education has been nothing short of shocking.

This past spring brought forth multiple budget issues, vast disagreements about how taxpayers’ money should be spent. The issues are certainly too complex to start to broach in this [letter]. What is more concerning to me is the tone going forward.

The clear message coming for the administration of the school is that there are budgetary concerns. I, too, live in this economy and our family is concerned about our budget and the cost of many things including the cost of education. However, the safety of our children should not come at the cost of our budgetary concerns.

As we transition to a new mode of transportation, it needs to be made clear to “All Star Transportation” that the citizens of Newtown will not stand for unsafe transportation of our children. Our children will not be asked to cross busy roads to save pennies. It is worthwhile to provide efficient transportation; however safe transportation is priceless.

Please join me in taking a stand and insisting on safe transportation as we move towards a new transportation company. Insist on safe bus routes that do not place our children’s lives at risk. Unsafe transportation is not an option for the children of Newtown.

Jennifer Papa Kanaan, MD

Sandy Hook                                                                August 27, 2012