Your statement: "The EPA is now telling us there is no Climate Change", I believe is incorrect. Can you provide documentation for this? The
The fact that there is climate change, I believe is a generally accepted consensus by all sides of the climate debat. What's driving this climate change and it's ultimate impact on society, is where the consensus fractures.
I do appreciate your pointing out President Nixon's role in creating the EPA. Nixon is also responsible for signing into law both the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.
Respectfully,
James Swift
Jeff, thank you for setting the record straight and for focusing on facts over speculation. It’s clear you’re working collaboratively, in the open, and always with Newtown’s best interests at heart. As a First Selectman, you’ve shown that leadership is about results, not partisanship, political slogans, or bashing the other guy. That’s the kind of honorable, steady, experienced, and community-focused leadership this town needs — progress that actually works for everyone, not just a political agenda.
Looks like someone is getting the politics 101 course and is leaning heavily on the “status quo” and “stagnation” talking points, the reality is that our current First Selectman is only completing his first term in office. Hardly the entrenched, decades-long politician Bruce suggests.
In fact, in just this one term, the current selectman has delivered meaningful progress — addressing core infrastructure, keeping budgets responsible, and ensuring that Newtown remains a strong and vibrant community. That’s not “stagnation.” That’s steady, thoughtful leadership in action.
If Bruce were truly ready for a challenge, he would have answered my July questions on how to would handle large-scale protests and rallies at the flagpole? Our current First Selectman put forward an option for positive change, and was met with shouting from the mob. What would Bruce do differently? And just how responsive and open to real change will he be when facing that same kind of pressure, or would it not matter when clearly Bruce wants to play the partisan line?
I have to say, I don’t understand how this project could be considered “morally wrong.” That kind of language feels more like obstruction than constructive dialogue. What is morally wrong is leaving seniors in our community without enough housing options. Right now, Newtown does not have adequate senior housing, and the few developments that exist, like Naunawag Meadows, already have waiting lists.
As for the comment that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” that simply isn’t accurate. The system is broken when residents who’ve lived here their whole lives cannot find an affordable and appropriate place to age in town. Responsible development that balances environmental concerns, safety improvements (such as traffic calming measures and sidewalks), and the needs of our seniors is exactly the kind of planning Newtown should be doing.
This isn’t about wanting or not wanting something in one’s backyard—it’s about building a community that takes care of its people. Please don't get scared away by the nimby mob.
