It is with great sorrow that the family of Mary Elizabeth Lander McDermott is announcing her passing from our lives on September 20, 2022, after a short stay in Hospice Care in Macon, Georgia.
We just learned that due to a reporting error, this news story incorrectly referenced a 1.5 mill budget impact when it should have referred to a $1.5 million budget impact for this the 2023-24 benefit. The story has been corrected online: https://www.newtownbee.com/01132023/council-approves-expanding-elderly-tax-credits/?q=Elderly
We should be careful not to conflate a letter writing campaign organized by the DTC and individuals misleading voters about the impact of proposed changes with the wishes of the people broadly. While all comments are considered, these decisions are not made by an email referendum or a Town Meeting. The ordinances in question were well intended (I worked on both of them,) but we have a responsibility to weigh other factors such as if an ordinance is in conflict with state law or if it sets a precedent most do not support on principle. I believe many of these goals can be accomplished through other means such as education, communication and philanthropy without the need for government mandates.
Assuming these are sincere letters and not political opportunism, I am sorry some people are so upset, but I hope it gives them comfort that plastic grocery bags and fracking waste are still banned in Newtown under state law and that Big Y and Stop and Shop will continue to charge 10 cents per bag as they do in all their other stores (despite suggestions otherwise.)
My comments are my own as an individual and not on behalf of the Legislative Council of which I am a member.
Isn't state law that the town must provide transportation to public schools? Every day one or two buses is "parked". All-Star and/or the BOE is falling short. I'm sure there's a loop hole to get around this.
Why is it that every time there is a shooting somewhere, the politicians, press, anti-constitutionalist's take it out on the people NOT responsible? Non-infringment is clearly there in ink on parchment.
