Dr. Peter Wenzel Pratt “Doc,” died peacefully at his home in Bridgewater on February 2, 2019. Peter was 85 years young. He was preceded in death by his brother, Roger, and sister, Vera Pratt.
Peter wa...
Eleanor Louise Fries, 94, of Marlborough and Tequesta, Fla., passed away on February 22, 2019. Her passing was peaceful and with the beauty and dignity with which she lived her life. She was born in N...
Robert William Soré passed away February 25, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Soré, and son, Alister Soré. He is preceded in death by his son, Sinclair Soré.
Robert was born in Bronx, N.Y., i...
Charles “Chuck” Michael Reichardt, 83, of Newtown died peacefully on Saturday, February 23, in his home, after his two-year battle with cancer. Chuck was born in Bridgeport on June 20, 1935, the son o...
It has been three years since you went home to be with Jesus. We miss your laughter and your kindness to little animals and the less fortunate. We miss you sitting on the swing with us on warm ...
James (Jim) R. Healey, of Sandy Hook, passed away at home on February 22, 2019, with his wife and daughter by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, non-Hodgkins ly...
Gloria Walsh, age 92, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2019, at the Apple Rehab facility in Middletown. Gloria was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Frank (Rocco) and Mary Capuano. She is pred...
Harry W. Milliman, formerly of Newtown, passed away two weeks shy of his 94th birthday at his residence in Kendal Crosslands, Kennett Square, Penn., with family and extraordinary caregivers at his sid...
November 22, 2007 to February 25, 2016
Collin, our precious boy, you have not left our minds and hearts for a single moment. Our hearts ache for you even though we know that you are in the...
Hazel B. (Smith) Berger, 99, died peacefully February 13, 2019, at Bethel Health Care Center. She had been a Newtown resident for 24 years, living at Nunnawauk Meadows the last 20 years. She was born ...
I agree with your point, Tom.
However, the sheer volume of Trump's false statements and claims -- vs. anyone else -- is astonishing and noteworthy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_or_misleading_statements_by_Donald_Trump
President Biden, too, has claimed “inflation was 0%,” when in fact prices remained elevated. He told us his Afghanistan withdrawal was a “success,” even though Americans and allies were left behind and 13 service members lost their lives. He promised not to build another foot of border wall, but later quietly restarted construction. These examples matter just as much as Trump’s because they show that political dishonesty isn’t unique to one side.
The point is not to excuse Trump or Biden—it’s to recognize that truth matters, and voters deserve accountability from all leaders. Singling out one politician while giving others a free pass only fuels division.
It’s important to put the 8-30g application into context. The reason developers in our town resort to Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing statute is precisely because obstructionist voices, led by Mr. Ackert, have repeatedly opposed reasonable housing proposals through local zoning channels. When projects are delayed or denied outright under the guise of “protecting character,” developers have little choice but to pursue the state-level remedy.
Mr. Ackert portrays 8-30g as a loophole being abused, when in fact it exists because communities that resist creating diverse housing options need accountability. If our town had a stronger record of working collaboratively to meet housing needs, developers wouldn’t feel compelled to bypass local boards in the first place.
Regarding wetlands and Inland Wetlands Commission review, it’s worth remembering that these processes are not ignored or hidden from the public. Applications that impact wetlands must comply with environmental regulations, and developers are subject to oversight. Suggesting otherwise unfairly discredits both the staff and the commission, who follow established procedures.
The public certainly deserves transparency, but it is misleading to imply that this project was pushed through in secret. The broader issue is that continued “Not In My Back Yard” obstructionism drives applicants to use 8-30g, ensuring that local zoning boards lose the very control residents claim to want preserved.
If we truly want more local say in how projects are shaped, then we need to stop reflexively opposing housing and start working constructively with applicants. Mr. Ackert’s campaign of resistance has only created the exact conditions he now complains about.
It's certainly good news that a temporary patch to rationed water in Newtown is in effect. But taking a year to come up with a patch is concerning. Where is the sense of urgency to get this permanently fixed?
Getting an endorsement from Jinm Gaston is one of the biggest compliments any candidate can get, and Chris certainly deserves the high marks. He has served us well and will in the future.
