A Small Sacrifice For A Great Gift

By CURT CLARK

Published: Oct 24, 2008 12:00 am

To the Editor:

I read, with great interest, the article contained in The Newtown Bee in your October 10, 2008, issue concerning the Lake Zoar Authority and the Leaps of Faith Ski Club.

I live directly next to Joel Zeisler on Housatonic Drive. My wife and I bought this house in December of 2007. We have been boating on Lake Zoar for several years as well as other lakes in this part of the state. As a boater on Lake Zoar, we became aware of the ski clinics when they were being held in that we were able to boat on the lake only up to the point where the Lake Zoar Authority Patrol Boat was moored. As a boater on Lake Zoar, having no real idea of the type of event being held it did not impose any hardship on our enjoyment of the lake or the day.

The lake is approximately 11 miles long and restricting traffic on a small portion of the northern end really is not meaningful.

Now as a resident of Lake Zoar living on Housatonic Drive I have gained a much deeper understanding of the scope and benefit of the club that Joel runs with a small staff and a number of volunteers. Leaps of Faith provides the opportunity for a number of individuals to participate in a sport they probably would never have the opportunity to do under normal conditions.

In the October 17 issue of The Newtown Bee there were a few letters written by different people, including Joel Zeisler. The intent of the letters written by people who have themselves participated in the clinics speaks directly to the benefit of the clinics. It seems to me that the amount of discussion and disagreement that has been taking place over the issue of how much, if anything, to charge the club for patrols which, as I understand it, may not even be required legally, is shameful.

The good that would be gained by the four towns that are on Lake Zoar stepping forward and making a small contribution to the cause and providing a patrol boat for the few hours needed would be beneficial. It is apparently unclear whether or not it is even required to have a formal patrol boat covering the event or it can be done by one of the volunteers who is at the event for the day. In my opinion all that would be needed would be a boat or two with signs and I am quite sure boaters would be happy to comply.

Additionally, as Joelâs direct next-door neighbor, the clinics and the people coming for the day to participate have not in any way been a problem or created any inconvenience. Please urge the readers of this column and who have been participating in the various meetings to grasp the fact that the amount of money being argued over is very small compared to the great gift to the handicapped that this club has been providing and the overall budget each town has for its involvement with Lake Zoar.

Sincerely yours,

William May

60 Housatonic 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 Â October 19, 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.

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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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A Small Sacrifice For A Great Gift

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