The Long-Term View

By CURT CLARK

Published: Mar 24, 2006 12:00 am

The Long-Term View

To the Editor:

We Care About Newtown, or WECAN, a group of Newtowners advocating a long-term, educationally sound decision to the townâs future educational space needs, this week asked the Board of Education to delay a vote on a proposed addition to Newtown High School until a long-term plan for the space needs of the entire school district is developed.

WECAN believes that deferring a vote at this time will provide the Board of Education the opportunity to put its possible approval of the Option E building addition proposal within the context of its long-term plans for the space needs of the entire school district. It also provides the board the opportunity to solidify a plan for addressing future high school overcrowding and district space needs by protecting any rights it may need for an eventual new school at Fairfield Hills. All of this can be done before the board needs to submit a capital improvement plan to the Board of Finance to address overcrowding at the high school by the third quarter of 2006.

WECAN has asked the board to answer several questions about Option E versus building a new high school at Fairfield Hills. We also have questioned the board on how construction of Option E instead of a new high school better addressed the recommendations made in a recent report on Newtown High School by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Interested Newtowners can view this information at wecan.askjoanne.com. Please feel free to write us with any questions at WECANewtown@aol.com.

Po Murray

Gary Davis

Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy HookÂ 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 March 22, 2006

Dems Talk Town Topics During Senior Center Lunch & Learn

Edmond Town Hall Launches Taylorville Concert Contest With Sweet Local Prizes

The Way We Were

Cindi Broughton

‘Timeless Newtown’ Series ‘Ageism Unmasked’ Book Talks Underway; One Speaker Change Announced

Congratulations on your nomination. In your announcement, you mentioned that Newtown faces real pressures, including “traffic patterns that make everyday life more stressful.” One growing concern for many residents and business owners is the repeated traffic disruption on Main Street caused by large-scale protests and rallies at the flagpole — held without a unified permitting process. Given that Main Street is a state road with a history of serious traffic and pedestrian safety issues, how would you, as First Selectman, approach the impact of these gatherings on traffic flow, public safety, and local businesses? I ask this with sincere interest in understanding how your commitment to “thoughtful planning” and “unity of action” would apply to this very real and recurring issue.

Democrats To Run Walczak For First Selectman

I appreciate Ryan’s thoughtful and grounded perspective on the need for a consistent, transparent, and lawful permitting process for large public events in Newtown. His approach reflects common sense within the framework of the law, balancing public safety, free expression, and fiscal responsibility—exactly what we should expect from our elected officials. In contrast, I was struck by Bruce Walczak’s comment suggesting that informal and "extensive discussion" are the preferred solutions to complex public issues. While there is certainly value in dialogue, the idea that decision-making should replace the thoughtful legislative process is troubling—especially coming from someone running for First Selectman.

Says ‘No’ Vote Sidestepped Due Diligence

I am grateful to The Democratic Town committee. I can vouch for the careful consideration they took in selecting our candidates. I appreciate their confidence in my managing skills to address the many issue facing Newtown. Ill be conducting listening tours over the next few months to gain a deeper understanding of my Newtown neighbors concerns and will be ready to address then day one.

There has been a rash of dog attacks, at least three that I know about on the sidewalks in town. Owners of pets need to be more attentive and respectful of their neighbors. Aggressive dogs need to be watched carefully to protect all. This is a serious issue and should be addresses not swept under a rug.

We Need A First Selectman Who Cares

I attended the meeting, and the results were reached after extensive discussion. Thats why its important to attend these high profile meeting, you see the facts yourself, As Alex, in the following letter, said the solution is not always more rules and legislation. Speaking to each other often solves issue a lot quicker with more flexibility.

<< Jul 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
29	30	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31	1	2

Log In

The Long-Term View

Leave a Reply Cancel reply