Student Attending Leadership Forum In Nation's Capitol

By LARISSA LYTWYN

Published: Mar 26, 2004 12:00 am

Student Attending Leadership Forum

In Nationâs Capitol

Newtown Middle School eighth grade honors student Jennifer Tichon was recently one of six Connecticut delegates chosen to participate in the People to People World Leadership Forum between March 29 and April 4. She will earn high school credit while studying leaderships skills and exploring some of the nationâs most beloved monuments and institutions.

From Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian Institute, Colonial Williamsburg to the National Museum of American History, Jennifer will examine the characteristics of American leadership during times of both national challenge and prosperity. Forum delegates will also participate in small-group discussions and exercises to experience first-hand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus, and foster change.

The program is coordinated by People to People Student Ambassador programs, fulfilling the vision Dwight D. Eisenhower had for fostering world citizenship when he founded People to People during his presidency in 1956.

Jennifer is a member of the Newtown Middle School Interact Club, a community service organization, as well as the Newtown Youth Servicesâ Middle School Youth Advisory Board. She plays the clarinet in the Newtown Middle School band and studies ballet at the Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet in Sandy Hook.

In addition, she is a Cadette Girl Scout striving to acquire her Silver Award. She is also an acolyte at Trinity Church and will be attending a community service program this summer in Canton, Ohio, refurbishing homes for the needy.

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To add a bit more context: the adopted Borough budget was for just under $300,000 [https://boroughofnewtownct.gov/borough-of-newtown-budget-approved/]. $58,000 in legal fees (to date) means a significant cost must be shouldered by Borough residents and businesses, increasing taxes noticeably. Many of those pushing the lawsuits were not subject to the added costs because they do not reside nor do business in the Borough.

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Well said. Unfortunately, we are back to more of the same and we know how this will end. However, it gives us an opportunity to question many ways in which the DTC failed residents, voters, candidates, everyone. Brandon Moore was the first candidate to voice interest in running. A strong and well prepared candidate that the town republicans did not want to run against. They made it clear they wanted Ku to be the candidate. We all know you endorse the candidate you have no concerns about. Once Ku decided to try to unseat Bolinsky again, the DTC should have done what it can do and that was choose a candidate or put a good process in place to set up forums and get the caucus over and done smoothly, fairly, and ethically. It did neither. and this is what resulted: The Young Dem Debate became a Ku strategy to claim Ku being victimized, and it backfired; Ku's previous campaign committee went with Brandon Moore in hopes of finally flipping the seat; the DTC delay in organizing any candidate forums led to an inability to get the information out to all (as we see in complaints from new residents regarding lack of information); the DTC was severely split by the caucus chaos and some did not fully participate as a result; and we are back to square one with the candidate Alex Villamil preferred, and the same old guard and the same chance of flipping the seat.

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Wholeheartedly agree with your concerns. There were many troubling issues raised about access to the democratic caucus process.

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Welcome and thank you for your insightfulness. I agree wholeheartedly, however, you will soon learn that the intention is to contain participation. I believe the new residents and the new families are invaluable and hope that you will attend a DTC meeting. You will learn a great deal. Second Thursday of the Month and tonight, June 11th, 7 pm, it is at the Edmond Town Hall. : )

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Mr. Ackert’s letter leaves out an important point: many of the legal expenses he references exist because of the legal challenges and complaints he and his facebook group has chosen to pursue. It is not fair to blame the Borough Zoning Commission Chair for costs that were driven, in large part, by Mr. Ackert’s own actions. Taxpayers should understand that litigation and FOIA complaints do not appear out of nowhere. They are initiated by individuals who decide to take those matters forward. Public officials should absolutely be held accountable, and the Borough should follow proper procedures at all times. But accountability should run both ways. If someone repeatedly challenges the Borough through legal channels, then points to the resulting legal bills as proof of poor leadership, the public deserves that context. Reasonable people can disagree about zoning decisions, development, and procedure. However, turning every disagreement into a legal fight has consequences, and those consequences are paid for by Borough taxpayers. Before assigning blame for legal expenses, Mr. Ackert should acknowledge his own role in creating them.

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Student Attending Leadership Forum In Nation's Capitol

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