The Rosenthal Administration

To the Editor:

One of the major issues facing our community in the coming fall election is the division and frustration created when a town government no longer has the systems of checks and balances afforded by a two-party system. What Newtown has is a government that strongly resembles a presidential administration, where challenges to the president from within that administration are rare.

It is my sincere hope that those trusted to maintain the political balance in regard to Newtown government will offer the voters an improved choice this fall.

With all due respect to those who volunteer their time and without challenging their intentions, being a government volunteer does not absolve the members of the Rosenthal administration from being held accountable for their actions, or in this case lack thereof, regarding political balance and accountability to the voters.

In my opinion, it is time to dismantle the Rosenthal administration. Newtown needs public servants who are willing to demonstrate a commitment to:

Transparency in our government.

Sensitivity and accountability to the electorate’s wishes.

Vision when planning Newtown’s future.

If history is any indication, “The Same Old, Same Old” will be the choice we the voters will have this fall. Given this town’s many challenges, that is a very disturbing possibility. If we agree there is a need for change in our town government, we the voters need to do a better job communicating with our respective town committees and participate in the political process. The RTC meets at the senior center on the second Monday (7:30 pm) of the month and the DTC meets in the Alexandria Room in Edmond Town Hall (8 pm) on the second Thursday of the month.

I believe there are at least two questions both parties will need our help answering:

Are those government officials seeking reelection this fall part of the problem or part of the solution?

If the voters do agree there is a need for candidates committed to the three ideals outlined in this letter, where does the DTC and RTC find these candidates?

Chuck Stofko

18 Chimney Swift Drive, Sandy Hook                              May 2, 2007