Was There A Conflict Of Interest?

By SHANNON HICKS

Published: Apr 08, 2011 12:00 am

To the Editor:

After the school administration in Newtown decided to spend $27,300.29 and counting on my two cases with the BOE to prevent our school buses to stop for our children, though designated by the superintendent to pass our homes four times each school day, I found out through Internet searches that the judge in my educational case worked at the same firm as our districtâs attorneys. I asked for full disclosure months ago and I am still waiting. I informed the BOE and Newtown local government. Judges are supposed to be impartial. Though now retired, this same educational judge was hired by the same firm during the same year as my two cases, in Milford. I point this out to the people in Newtown because, since the BOE and town were notified of this alleged conflict of interest, if they do not make a public announcement and inform all other school districts, we may all be subjected to lawsuits from families throughout Connecticut for our lack of disclosure.

www.statelawyers.com/Lawyer/Profile.cfm/AttorneyID:24483

www.allvoices.com/news/4641486/s/42386559-retired-attorney-to-investigate-allegations-against-polansky

www.adlexx.com/hittracker/attorney85991248.html

(Notice in link above, both attorney for the board and hearing officer listed under the letter L)

L (in 504 case, after my transportation case)

Laubin, Michelle C., Associate â my hearing officer

Lettick, Loren, Of Counsel â attorney for the BOE

D (in my first transportation case)

Dugas, Floyd J., Member â attorney for the BOE

www.cga.ct.gov/2004/tob/h/2004HJ-00147-R00-HB.htm

www.cga.ct.gov/2007/TOB/H/2007HJ-00098-R00-HB.htm

âPower concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with ... words ... The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.â âAbolitionist Frederick Douglas

Susan McGuinness Getzinger

31 Little Brook Lane, NewtownÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 3, 2011

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The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

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I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

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The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

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Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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Was There A Conflict Of Interest?

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