On behalf of the Democratic Candidates of Newtown, and with a special thanks to Patch, it is my privilege to enthusiastically endorse our outstanding slate of candidates.
Rather than piecemeal blog after blog of individual candidates we believe it more practical and efficient to assist voters and readers alike to resources that will better assist in securing more than a few election year platitudes and more than mere a snapshot of a candidate.
Our candidates all promote the RETURN TO REASON. We believe that effectuating the will of the voter, and leading the Town and Schools forward requires Reason, i.e. listening to voters, listening to fellow Board and Commission members, and respecting differing opinions. Only then can consensus be built and progress made.
How best to Control Taxes, Return to Blue-Ribbon Schools, and Preserve Newtown’s Hallmarks and our “pristine early American elegance” requires decision making based on Reason, not Rancor. For the last few years we have seen a lack of civility, personal attacks, and when an entity or individual is called to account for a position, feigned claims of conspiracy, power grabbing, etc. As a result, we have seen the demise of the once true, Nicer in Newtown.
We remember what it was like just a few years ago (remember the days of Dr. John Reed), how vigorous debate on important issues still meant that opponents shook hands, worked side by side at the Rotary Pancake breakfast, cheered proudly together at Blue and Gold Stadium, and dined or lunched together.
Our Democratic candidates will bring back that fellowship. Our candidates will also give you specifics of what they intend to pursue, and point out spin or inaccuracies in opponent's campaign promises. We hope to earn your trust so that you can rely on us to verify what is actually being espoused throughout the campaign.
Below are Democratic Points of Principle. They were not recently created just for the election. Rather they have been our standing Points for some time, as seen on our website. We hope you will review them then go turn to the following references for more information about our candidates:
Facebook: Newtown Democrats
James O. Gaston and James O. Gaston Campaign (click “Notes”)
Eric Paradis
Rich Boritz
Bob Edwards
Maureen Crick Owen
Accountability in Newtown
(Here you can ask questions of the candidates)
E-mails – if you e-mail me at okjt@aol.com I will provide you any candidate’s e-mail you like.
Patch – if you search or click on a candidate’s name you can get a list of his/her comments. This may give you an idea of the candidate’s position on various topics.
The Democratic Party is committed to keeping our nation safe and expanding opportunity for every American. That commitment is reflected in an agenda that emphasizes the strong economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, open, honest and accountable government, and securing our nation while protecting our civil rights and liberties.
LOCAL
Education:
We know that the Newtown school system is one of the most important parts of our town and we want you to have the information you need to understand the school system and make good decisions for you and your family.
The Democratic Town Committee supports Section 32 of Public Act 10-108, known as the School Construction Bill that enables the Board of Finance and Legislative Council to establish a contingency fund from unexpended annual budget funds to be used as needed in subsequent years. Said contingency fund would enable the Board of Education to more effectively budget for yearly expenses and avoid the risk of underfunding consequences. It is anticipated that more effective budgeting as to reasonably expected expenses will reduce costs to taxpayers and risks to the Board of Education; a win-win situation.
The Democratic Town Committee supports a strong education agenda and submits that a long term 5+ year plan should be explored by the Board of Education such that it develops a plan to place Newtown students in the top 25% of DRG status in testing results, similar to its position at the town’s DRG wealth status. The DTC supports fiscally responsible funding for this 5+ year Education Plan to support that long term plan;
The Democratic Town Committee suggests the Board of Education exercise a clearer communication process such that parents understand the planned teacher days which are likely to impact working parent(s). This is intended as a friendly suggestion.
Voter Rights
The Democratic Town Committee (DTC) supports a Charter Review Commission study that includes the addition of advisory questions to the annual budget. Said questions would inquire whether the budget is: sufficient, too high, or too low. Of significant import is that the advisory opinions reflect meaningful feedback. It is recognized that the present law provides but skeletal answers that may not match the actual vote of the voters. Resultantly, the DTC supports additional legislation in the General Assembly that would permit more expansive advisory questions and accounting so as to better understand the intentions of the voters.
The Democratic Town Committee supports an expanded Charter Review Commission study as to whether the present annual budgetary process is the most efficient, effective and desired structure, or whether another is advisable. The Democratic Town Committee takes no position on whether any other governmental system or method is advisable until the study is complete. The Democratic Town Committee at this time supports the present structure.
Owner-Operator Bus System
The Democratic Town Committee supports a fair bidding system that enables the owner-operators to participate. The Democratic Town Committee supports the present owner-operator system of school bus transportation. Historically, the owner-operators have provided superior personal services to the community, have done so at a competitive and cost efficient manner, and have added to the economical well being of the town.
Thank you for your kind attention and please be sure to vote!
Jim Gaston, Sr.
Candidate for Selectman
Democratic Town Committee
