I was disappointed to see such a negative characterization of Debbie’s leadership. Anyone who has worked with or interacted with her over the years knows how deeply she cares about her staff, the residents, and the town as a whole. Debbie has been the steady hand guiding the Town Clerk’s office since 2007 — through new technologies, changing state requirements, and even the toughest times in our community’s history.
The office runs efficiently, delivers great service, and continually modernizes to meet residents’ needs — that doesn’t happen without strong leadership at the top. Debbie is accessible, professional, and dedicated to Newtown in every sense. We’re lucky to have someone who combines experience, compassion, and commitment in this important role.
I hope residents will look at her record and continued service, not at divisive or misleading claims. Debbie’s leadership speaks for itself.
“Hires great staff”…that much is true. Unfortunately, Debbie cannot retain her staff. Three of her best Assistants left because of the toxic environment. Never is credit given to her staff who are the ones actually doing the work. It appears that Debbie has enough work outside the Town Clerks office to occupy her time. Please give someone else a chance to serve the community she loves and vote for Renée Weinmann. It’s time to vote for the person and not according to party line.
Respectfully,
Ann LoBosco
I “wonder” why so many builders/developers who once worked collaboratively with zoning boards are now choosing to force through 8-30g applications instead.
Kathy Quinn’s letter rightly calls out the danger of giving in to bullies. But her argument also raises an interesting question. Here in Newtown, we’ve all seen how a large, vocal NIMBY mobcan overrun our local zoning board. Time and again, the board caves to the loudest voices, even when those voices don’t represent the broader community.
If that kind of pressure works for a neighborhood issue, why wouldn’t Donald Trump try the same tactic on a national scale? Whether it’s calling for reporters to be jailed or threatening TV stations with license revocations, he’s simply using the same “mob rules” playbook.
The lesson is the same in both cases: rights don’t protect themselves. If people stay silent, the loudest and most aggressive voices will dominate. The only real antidote is participation—speaking up, voting, and refusing to let intimidation win.
