Francis J. “Frank” Daly, 89, of Newtown, formerly of Bethel, died September 5, at Regional Hospice & Palliative Care, Danbury. He was the husband of the late Patricia Ann (Graney) Daly. He was born in...
James P. Talarino, 75, a Newtown resident for more than 50 years, died peacefully September 1. He was born in Bridgeport and was the son of James Vincent & Star (Pippa) Talarino.
His loving daughter, ...
Carol Alexander McDonald, 93, of Southbury, formerly a longtime resident of Ridgefield, died September 4. She was born April 21, 1925, in Stamford, the daughter of Susan and Charles Alexander.
Her chi...
Priscilla “Sil” Black, 78, of Bakersfield, Calif., died August 28. The only child of Joseph and Lillian Black, she grew up in Newtown. She taught in the Newtown public school system in both its elemen...
Joan Reilly O’Neil, 87, a longtime resident of Newtown, died August 30, at her home, The Delaney at South Shore in League City, Texas. Born in 1930 in Port Chester, N.Y., she was the daughter of Micha...
Craig Hayes, 32, of Newtown, died unexpectedly August 28, at his home.
Mr Hayes graduated from Newtown High School in 2004. He spent many years working in the tree service industry. His most recent wo...
Theresa “Sally” Louise Lorenzo Magda, 83, of Sandy Hook, died August 28, in her home. She was born February 14, 1935, in Bridgeport, daughter of the late Louis “Ono” J. Lorenzo and Mildred “Honey” (Dr...
Janet “June” (Vandetti) Yoburn, 88, died peacefully August 24, at Maplewood Senior Living in Newtown, with her daughter at her side. She was born December 31, 1929, in Danbury.
Her daughter, Cheryl Bi...
Stephen Louis Tranzillo, 75, of Danbury, beloved husband of Phyllis (Antedomenico) Tranzillo, died peacefully August 24, at home. He was born in Port Chester, N.Y., December 5, 1942, and was the son o...
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.
