To the Editor:

By CURT CLARK

Published: Oct 24, 2008 12:00 am

To the Editor:

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter in endorsement of Chris Lyddy for state representative. I recently had an opportunity to spend some time with Chris whom I have known for over 15 years. It is time for a change in the way Newtown is represented in Hartford. It is time for some things to finally get done and I know Chris Lyddy is the person to bring us exactly the kind of change we need.

I think the experience that Chris Lyddy has is the kind that will give us better representation in Hartford. Chrisâs experience is in Newtown. He has the experience of growing up here and attending our public schools. He has the experience of serving on various boards and committees in Newtown, including the Parent Connection, Prevention Council, Juvenile Review Board, Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse, a former board member for Newtown Youth Services and volunteering with a number of other organizations. He also currently serves on the Legislative Council. In addition, he has been knocking on doors since March, hearing their stories and listening to the issues that are most important to Newtown voters. This is the kind of experience and qualities we need in a representative; experience talking to voters, listening to them, and learning from them. This is what makes an effective state representative.

Many of you told Chris that high taxes were one of your biggest concerns. With the costs of funding education comprising almost 80 percent of every town budget, Chris recognizes what most of you and few of our elected representatives in Hartford have failed to understand for the last 15 years! The state funding for education to our municipalities and formula for reimbursement was dramatically reduced years ago, resulting in an increased burden being borne by property owners and businesses. If more funding for education, including a guarantee that all of the mandates sent down from Hartford are funded by the state and not the towns, we will dramatically reduce the burden on homeowners and businesses bringing down the ever-increasing property taxes.

Chris has also been listening to all those concerned by the ever-increasing cost of health care and that is why he has signed a petition along with many fellow Democrats to ask our elected officials to make affordable health care available for all residents and small business owners in Connecticut.

Chris Lyddy brings the right kind of experience to this seat, the kind of experience that will allow him to be a strong advocate for Newtown in the legislature. It is time that we have someone fighting for us in Hartford, and I believe the best person to fight for us is one who really know us. I am confident that Chris Lyddy is that person.

I hope you will join me in voting for Chris Lyddy on November 4. You can learn more at www.ChrisLyddy.com.

Sincerely,

Dave Carino

13 Bridge End Farm Lane, Sandy HookÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â October 15, 2008

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The Editor suggest a meeting between the "Rock This Democracy " and the Police Commission. As a former Police Commissioner the Chief should have followed the chain of command and discussed this with the Police Commission. The Chief reports to the Elected Police Commission not our Republican First Selection. Can't help but feel this is Republican politics again making an issue out of a non issue.

Assembly Ordinance?

I support Chief Kullgren’s request to explore permitting, and cost-sharing for large gatherings. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I fully support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. However, where and how often these protests occur matters. Main Street is not just a symbol — it’s a vital artery for daily life in town. When events are held there monthly, and at increasing scale, they cause disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic. While the Rock This Democracy group may describe these protests as unique or urgent, the frequency — roughly once every two weeks this spring — suggests more of a recurring series than a singular, spontaneous moment of civic expression. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Every time a protest happens, our police department is forced to assign resources, often on overtime. That expense adds up quickly. If any group wants to use public space regularly, particularly in a way that impacts traffic and requires police presence, then it’s reasonable for the town to consider permitting and cost-sharing — just as we do for other organized events like races, festivals, or parades. Let’s protect everyone’s rights — including the right of the community to function smoothly and the right of taxpayers not to bear undue cost for repeated events. I trust the Council to consider a reasonable path forward that balances speech with responsibility.

David, your passion for transparency would carry more weight if it weren’t routinely wielded like a cudgel. Let's set the record straight: no one is against easier access to documents or better online availability—we all want an informed public. But there's a difference between constructive advocacy and the kind of grandstanding that costs this town time, morale, and taxpayer money. You cite Ridgefield’s practices—great. Let's talk about that like adults. But instead, what we see is a steady stream of accusatory posts, legal challenges, and FOIA blitzes aimed less at solving problems and more at creating headlines. It’s not “slander” to point out that your approach often does more to divide and exhaust than to help. I’ve been at the very meetings you claim are inaccessible or opaque. I’ve seen your group turn logistical hiccups into conspiracy theories. I’ve watched as staff—who already work overtime—are dragged into another fishing expedition while real civic needs are left hanging. You’re not just pushing for access; you’re using the tools of open government to grind its gears to a halt. That’s not progress. That’s obstruction dressed up as advocacy. And the people paying for it—literally—are your neighbors. Let’s stop pretending it’s just about uploading PDFs. The issue here is how we engage. We can have real conversations about modernization without constant accusations, FOIA skirmishes, and Facebook pile-ons. Until then, I’ll continue to call out tactics that undermine, not uplift, our town.

Calls For Policies To Create Greater Transparency

The bottom line is this: costs are up, and no group—including teachers—is exempt. Ignoring Anthem’s recommended 22% increase last year may have directly caused the $2 million shortfall. Everyone has to share in the fix. That might mean higher premiums and leaner benefits. Complaints alone won’t solve the problem—realistic solutions will. I urge all Newtown Teachers to email their Union leaders and express their support for higher premiums.

Discusses Town Self-Funded Insurance Plan

Its really easy to make assertions and cast doubts from behind a keyboard....a little too easy aparently. You might try conducting the actual research BEFORE doing it next time. If you do, you too will find that there's no need to imagine such a policy to improve public transparency and participation. Take a look at Ridgefield's P&Z meeting agendas on their website for starters. They are just one town that provide links to electronic copies of applications and other public documents, so that their commissioners and residents can easily access them and be well-informed, before meetings and public hearings occur and without making them drive to town hall (during business hours) to ask their land use staff to pull the files and make copies of them, saving everyone time (time is money), and gasoline, and missed work. Most applicants alrleady submit electronic copies, and for those who don't, it's a lot easier for a staffer to scan them once, than to have to make copies every time someone asks for them. And please don't misrepresent or slander those who advocate for smart, low impact & sustainable development policies and practices as 'anti-development'.

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