Town resident SHARON (SAM) LEVINE has requested ALL emails sent to town officials, elected or not regarding the budget from Avon residents. While she may be entitled to emails that were not intended for her eyes under the Freedom of Information Act, what is her true motivation?
How do you feel about this? What do you think her motivation is? Does it bother you to know you cannot contact your town or elected officials without fear of someone with a different agenda demanding to read your private communications?
How do you think she will use this information? Do you know Sharon (Sam) Levine? Which side of the budget issue is she on? Is she the type of person to use this information to intimidate other residents with a different opinion? Is this politically motivated?
Avon Budget Blog 
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 10:34 AM
She’s a loud mouth who supports higher taxes. I think it is an outrage that she would feel entitled to read emails that were meant to be private without the writer’s permission.
What is this town becoming with people like her in it? This is beyond the pale. Next she’ll want the officials to talk on recorded lines so she can hear what people say on the phone too.
She needs to get a life.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 10:38 AM
That takes NERVE! Can you believe anyone would do something so underhanded? There is no room in this town for people like that. This should not stand.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 10:53 AM
If this is true, who does she think she is? If I want to email my representatives I should be able to do it without this big mouth seeing what I wrote. The unmitigated gall of her request! I repeat, who does she think she is?
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 11:05 AM
April Fools Day was yesterday. You are kidding, right? Nobody in this town could possibly be that underhanded. Is she starting a hit list of people who disagree with her? Is she trying to find out who has financial hardships in the town through their email pleas for help from the town elected people?
I don’t know her and I hope I never meet her. She is not my kind of person if she is that way.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I cannot believe how nosy this is. Why would anyone want to read private communication between two parties? Some people have no shame.
Cliff Thier said,
April 2, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Voter intimidation is the danger here. Next thing there will be an Avon Acorn chapter formed.
If advocates know which PARENTS of schoolchildren are AGAINST increased taxes they would be able to have a little talk with the parents so that “persuasion” can be applied.
“I thought that you were one of us? How can you vote against more school funding? How can you do this to my child? How can you do this to your child? When did you become a reactionary? Do you hate children? Does Timmy’s teacher know you think she gets paid too much? How can you risk Sally’s teacher getting angry at you and taking it out on her? If the schools don’t get the money they desperately need they are going to have to send all the kids home at noon. Happy now? How is Billy going to get a recommendation from his teacher if his teacher thinks you hate teachers? My mommy said that your mommy is poor and stingy like Mr. Scrooge. No you can’t sit with us at lunch. We don’t like poor folk.”
You get the idea. When the strength and logic of ideas are not satisfactory to persuade, when you know that you cannot engage in honest and open debate, then this is the course you might feel that have to take.
The ends justify the means.
This is a shameful attack on freedom of speech, freedom of association, and our individual right to privacy. It’s kind of breathtaking in the scope of its attack on the Bill of Rights.
Furthermore, just the idea that this can happen will have a chilling effect on Avon’s citizen’s ability to communicate honestly with their elected representatives.
I’m afraid that some adults in Avon need to take remedial courses in Constitutional Law as well as American History.
Cliff Thier said,
April 2, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Let’s not resort to calling people who disagree with us names like “loud mouth.” This person is wrongheaded and her allies may themselves use such language, but those of us who oppose increased spending should not resort to that language and similar tactics.
Our arguments are stronger. Our logic makes more sense. The fact that folks on the other side of the ledger believe they have to resort to ad hominem attacks like “you are so selfish because you disagree with me,” is a sign of the weakness of their argument. They sense it but won’t acknowledge it.
Some of them may be persuadable and we should concentrate our energies on doing that. Many of them are genuinely fearful because they are being manipulated to believe that a smaller budget increase really will hurt their child.
We have to convince them that that is factually wrong.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 12:05 PM
I just wonder why Sharon Levine would possibly want this information!!! What is on her agenda?? Does she have a self serving agenda? It’s hard to believe she would want this information for the good of Avon. All we can do is wonder for now…but the truth will come out eventually!!!
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 12:34 PM
First of all – there is no wrong or right about the budget – just differing values, goals perspectives and experiences. If you approach it from a wrong-or-right perspective there will always be a winner and loser. Our mission has to be to come up with what comes closest to meeting the needs and aspirations of all of our citizens – children, parents, retirees, seniors, etc. People are forgetting what ‘community’ means…
And greater transparency on the part of town officials is always a good thing. They should be forthcoming about what residents are saying to them – not by sharing names but by sharing the numbers (for and against). The way that many of the BOF members so openly disregarded the voices of their constituents over this budget was disrespectful … we have no way of knowing what they have been hearing via email – and if they are acting in response or if they are ignoring those too. The good thing about our democracy is that we have November…
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 1:24 PM
I would go along with sharing numbers, but actual emails with remarks about personal situations should not be requested. I know people who are out of work and having serious financial hardships that emailed the BOF. Those are private situations and none of Sharon Levine’s business. In my opinion she is a nosy broad.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 1:29 PM
The numbers of letters and emails pro and con are meaningless. Advocates of increased taxes and school spending can readily enlist students by the busload.
In the 100 or so people who attended the two hearings, were there students included in that figure as well?
If so, watching their parents act like rude louts, booing, etc., was certainly a bad lesson in democracy and respect for other opinions.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 1:32 PM
This blog proves there are two very divided sides in this debate. I think intimidation is the goal of Sharon Levine and whichever side she is on. This blog is full of for and against spending increase posts.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Some of you should tone down your messages. They could be taken as slander (loud mouth, nosy, etc). You can make your point (both sides) without ripping someone. I also thought this blog is about the budget and presenting our respect point of views, not speculating about a neighbor and their motives.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 1:55 PM
It looks like fair game to me. If Sharon Levine can read our private emails to our elected officials it is fair to blog about her intent. I do believe that is part of the budget debate.
It seems like a hostile act to request private emails. Now people will not speak at the meetings in opposition because of the hostile crowd nor will they email because of a hostile citizen.
Freedom of Information Act Gander said,
April 2, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Testimony before the Board of Finance 4/7/2008 Public record:
Sharon Levine,: I want to thank the Board of Education and the Town Council for proposing their budgets. I know and can tell that a lot of work went into putting them forth. I just want to say and I think that I gave the same speech for the past 10 years. Same speech. I’m giving it again because there has not been any change. The essence of these cost increases, you know, some of the rise, the utilities are increasing and we are all surprised and we just didn’t expect such a huge jump. But, it’s truly the growth of this community, the cost to educate, the additional people that move it this community and it has generated this huge increase in the Board of Education budget. We know a few facts. We know the Town, the taxes that are generated from most homes in this community, and I’m not talking about the very very very extremely few very large homes, most homes do not generate enough taxes to educate the children that live within those homes. We know that. That’s a fact. Our spending per student is well in line with neighboring communities. Well in line. And below in some instances. The Town Council, and this is were I think I have my hugest issue, is that the Town Council and the Planning and Zoning have done virtually nothing over the past 20 years to curb this growth. It is this growth that primarily fuels the increased cost to the Board of Education. The impact of this Town turning a blind eye to growth rides primarily on the backs of our children and those individuals in this Town living on a limited or fixed income. And in addition to the fact that we haven’t really limited this growth, we have done very little in the past few years to encourage commercial property development, which will develop a stable tax base, a more stable tax base for this community. I urge everyone in this room, whether you are for this budget or against this budget, or whether or not you want this community to stay together, all citizens, newcoming and longstanding, contact your Town Council members, contact the Board of Planning and Zoning members and address this complex issue. It is the true cause of the divisiveness in this community. And we revisit it every year and yet, nothing moves forward. In addition, the tax cap placed on the past budgets was an extremely short sighted decision by the Board of Finance. It effect was to merely postpone necessary spending, and as such, we are forced to play fiscal catch-up at the worst possible time. In addition, you have all of these lists that talk about the grand list and the increasing the property taxes. What the Board of Finance and the Town Council and I know the Board of Education is aware of, but parents in this school are being taxed separately from everybody else in this community. I paid for my kids Spanish books, I paid for my kids to play sports, I paid donations, I have donated books to the library, to all of the PTOs I have participated in and I have done fundraising. Every year I have an unfair share of taxes that is never reflected and respected by the Town Council or the Board of Finance. In conclusion, I have to say I have a huge huge problem with you, Mr. Harrison. The idea that you have someone who wants to spend and someone who is paying taxes tugging at a dollar. I think it is really unfair because I am both people. I don’t want to spend more, yet I am forced by the lack of movement in this community, the Town Council, the Planning and Zoning to think ahead and stop us from tugging at each other. It’s a time to make a change. I also have a problem, Mr. Harrison. I don’t know if you are aware, but your presentation this evening was a bit skewed. Your presentation was completely anti-Board of Ed. The way you stated the 70% of the budget on the school and the way you indicated that 70% of this budget is paid to the school, as if it were an unusual occurrence. It is standard. That is what most communities do. And you made it seem like the Board of Education was asking for something that stood out separate from all of the other communities. It is not an abnormal occurrence. In addition, the way you see, the slide that talked about trends and budget expenditures and the way you said, oh, look at the Board of Education, it keeps going up. I think that the way you put that and presented it, I thought it was unethical, I thought it was biased and I think it was totally inappropriate. But I do appreciate all of the time and effort that you do put into the community. I know your hearts in it, but I really wish, I do, and I really wish you would stand outside of the box and realize that when you present it, you present it in an unequal manner, it’s hurtful and it is divisive and I hope that in the future, you will try and rephrase it a little differently. Thank you very much.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 2:56 PM
If the emails are available through the FIA and someone cares enough to review them – what’s the problem? If our elected officials indeed received hundreds of messages – don’t you want to know how many were in favor of the budget and how many opposed? I for one what to see if the Board’s steadfast support of those opposed holds up in the face of the public comments and the emails they received.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 6:27 PM
This was received by the elected officials of the town this afternoon:
To Avon Town Officials:
I have given additional thought to the new Town policy that emails sent to elected representatives of the citizens of Avon (including emails already sent) will be made public. As I understand it, this policy is in response to a citizen’s Freedom of Information Act request. That citizen apparently wants to know who is in favor of and who is opposed to a particular course of action on an issue of public concern.
My first inclination was to laugh at the request and Town policy.
After thinking about this for a few minutes, however, I have decided to instruct the Town of Avon to not make public any emails or letters that I have sent to any of my elected representatives on matters of public concern.
I also urge the Town to immediately cease doing so with any other citizens’ communications with their elected representatives.
The request to make public the emails and their authors’ names is clearly an attempt at voter intimidation and suppression. This is a violation of the United States Voting Rights Act and should be rejected immediately by the Town.
The policy is not dissimilar to permitting one person to look over another person’s shoulder in the voting booth. Our freedom to privately and safely express our opinion to only those whom we wish to know it is integral to our rights to free speech and free assembly.
If the Town cooperates with this attempt at voter suppression, in my opinion it will be in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
I will then bring a lawsuit in federal court against the Town of Avon. When I do so, I imagine that a number of other citizens of Avon will likely join as plaintiffs. Damages will be sought. I have not the smallest doubt that various organizations dedicated to protecting our constitutional rights will want to assist.
I ask you to heed the words that Senator Patrick Leahy (Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee) and Senator Edward Kennedy wrote in a letter to the United States Attorney General in 2006:
“By reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act, the Congress reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to eliminating all vestiges of voter intimidation, oppression, and suppression – whether overt or subtle.”
I plead with the Town to not go down this road. I plead with the Town to not cooperate with and thereby participate in voter intimidation. I plead with the Town to not attempt to curtail its citizens’ rights to free speech and free assembly.
Thank you.
Cliff Thier
P.S. Feel free to share this email with whomever you wish.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 7:10 PM
EXCELLENT Mr. Thier. Bravo! However, can you include Sharon Levine in the lawsuit. I think she is the one who is seeking to suppress the rights of voters.
If you add her into the lawsuit I would support it.
Anonymous said,
April 2, 2009 at 11:28 PM
I hope the town notified the people who had sent emails that were released under this request if they had to release them.
It’s hard to teach kids not to bully when people like Sharon Levine are setting the tone in town.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 7:58 AM
If I sent an email to the private email address of a Town board member, I expect that to remain private. It is their private account, paid for by them.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 8:54 AM
I don’t think any e-mail sent to a public official is considered private. I believe any e-mail sent to a town official about official town business becomes a public document. Granted, most e-mails never see the light of day but if I was sending e-mails to a town official, I would assume that anyone could read it at some point.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 9:02 AM
If someone wants his name made public, he’d send his letter to the newspaper. He didn’t. He’d stand up at a public meeting. He didn’t.
The problem is voter intimidation. Voter intimidation. That’s the danger.
CT said,
April 3, 2009 at 9:04 AM
To the person (8:54) who said he didn’t care if everyone knows his name: How come you didn’t include your name in your post? You could have just typed it in.
If some of your fellow townspeople wish to remain “Anonymous” here (like you do) or in a letter to their councilman, that’s their right. You can’t take it from them.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 10:31 AM
These emails were received by members of town government and town officials this morning:
On Apr 2, 2009, at 7:08 PM, Philip Schenck Jr. wrote:
Cliff: I will let Ann Dearstyne our Town Clerk answer you email regarding public information. Obviously, the Town doesn’t have to forward any e-mails, however, we are obligated under the State of Ct. Freedom of Information Act to make available e-mails (or written correspondence for that matter i.e. “snail mail) that is addressed and opened by the Town if requested. We have a disclaimer on our e-mail about “public record”. Ann: perhaps you can either e-mail or phone Cliff and review with him the FOI statutes. Phil
______________________________________________________________________
Phil,
Thank you. I appreciate your very quick response.
This may be an instance where the United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights trumps a state law. As would the federal Voting Rights Act (which was, in fact, targeted at state action that resulted in voter intimidation).
There can be no reason why another citizen would want to know the opinions of other named citizens except with the goal of pressuring them—and specifically them—to change their position of a matter of public interest.
This cannot be permitted to happen and the Town cannot assist in it happening.
Furthermore, I am afraid that you are misinformed. I have just (re)checked the town’s web site. I selected the names of assorted elected officials and immediatelyt received an email message window preaddressed to INFO (info@town.avon.ct) .
There is no warning to the citizen that anything they say in that email to that person will be public record.
Of course, anyone sending an email directly to one or many of their elected represenatives in the Avon government wouldn’t know about such a policy either.
I urge the Town to no cooperate with this attempt to intimidate voters. As state action, this would bring the town in violation of the US Constitution’s protections promised to all citizens.
I will, of course, be happy to speak with Ann tomorrow. However, there is nothing I now know that would convince me to change my mind as well as the exercise of my legal rights should the Town choice to infringe on them.
Again, thanks for the response.
Cliff
____________________________________________________________________
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
—First Amendment to the United States Constitution
Phil,
I neglected, in my earlier emails, to cite the last part of the First Amendment that also governs the town’s behavior in this situation: “. . . . and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Petitioning the government is seriously compromised if a fearful citizen believes that he would be targeted for unpopular beliefs if his neighbors know who he is.
So, besides violating a citizen’s rights of freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly, Avon would be hitting a First Amendment trifecta should it take this action.
What’s particularly troubling is that the Voting Rights Act was originally enacted in the 1960s to protect African-American voters from having their voting rights suppressed in the southern states. It makes me particularly sad that anyone would want to even risk making possible the same kind of intimidation today in Avon, Connecticut in 2009. Connecticut claiming to be the “Constitution State.” Do we really want to walk in the footsteps of Mississippi circa 1962?
Does Avon want to stain itself in such a way?
Cliff
___________________________________________________________________
“Under our Constitution, anonymous pamphleteering is not a pernicious, fraudulent practice, but an honorable tradition of advocacy and of dissent. Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation — and their ideas from suppression — at the hand of an intolerant society.”
McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commn., 514 U.S. 334 (Supreme Court of the United States), 1995
Phil,
There are more like it.
Cliff
Janet Deneen said,
April 3, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Are you concerned about Avon’s future and the lack of support for Avon’s vital services? Do you want your voice to mean something? If yes, please attend the next meeting of Citizens For Avon’s Future (C4AF) on April 14 at 7:30pm at the AHS Community Room.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Which vital services are not being supported?
Full payment for soccer and lacrosse? No academic program is lacking funds. Do you mean we aren’t spending enough money on police? Fire protection?
Please be clearer? Thank you.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Avon’s teachers’ salaries are the 8th highest in the state. Higher than many ultra-rich Fairfield County towns. Do you mean we aren’t paying teachers enough? We spend more per pupil than the neighboring towns?
We have raised taxes exceeding the rate of inflation every year since the Year 1.
What are we underfunding? Please tell us. Our taxes next year will still go up more than our incomes. More than the rate of inflation.
If you think you aren’t paying enough taxes, you should put your money where your mouth is and pay more. Then everyone will be happy.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Ms. Deneen,
How about each of your members writing a check to the town right now for the extra they want everyone to pay next year? That way, no one could accuse any members of your organization of being phonies. You pay it now and pay it publicly. If taxes go up as much as you apparently want them to do, then you’ve paid in advance. If they don’t then you will have shown by your own actions how sincere you are in your worry about “vital services” not being adequately funded.
Actions speak louder than words. If you want more of my money, first put up your own. I’m waiting to be inspired by your actions.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Define your terms. What are “vital services”?
I may be interested if we agree on what vital services are. But, I don’t know what you mean. Really. I’m guessing but that’s not fair to you.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Ms. Deneen–
Did you need to spam every thread?
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Priorities.
I agree. We are not properly funding vital services. I want more money to go to police protection and less wasted on after-school activities. Academic instruction let’s fund 100%, absolutely. Non-academic activiies should be the parent’s responsibility.
Why is that a problem? Should I also buy someone else’s children’s clothes? Breakfast? Lunch? Eye glasses? Braces?
These are no different from sports. Parents, don’t get angry with me when I don’t want to pay for what you should be paying for.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 1:13 PM
What I would like to know is who is minding the store? Are my tax dollars paying for a school that is hosting political agenda parties such as on April 14th? Who is running this show? This meeting should NOT be at the Avon High School!
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Guess what, this is open government, like it or not, and what you say to your representatives may end up in someones hands. If you don’t want someone to hear what you have to say, don’t say it!
And guess what else, the High School is a public building. If a group wants to schedule a meeting there, and goes through the process that any other group does to schedule a meeting, then have at it. We all spent our tax dollars on that building.
And to those posting rude commentary about people… Guess what, everyone is entitled to their opinion. This is America, at least the last time I checked. Someone should not be vilified for expressing an opinion.
Anonymous said,
April 3, 2009 at 4:20 PM
These emails were received by members of town government and town officials this morning:
On Apr 3, 2009, at 3:08 PM, Ann Dearstyne wrote:
Cliff,
Based on the information obtained from Freedom of Information the emails were already forwarded to the person that made the request yesterday. The Town Attorney has been advised as you requested.
Ann
___________________
Ann,
Why wasn’t the town attorney asked for a written opinion first?
Were the authors of those emails given a heads-up before their privacy was broken?
Why didn’t they get a heads up first so that they might have a chance to speak up about something that affects them?
Why couldn’t this wait another few days?
Did the Town Council vote to do this?
Why not when it exposes the town to a significant financial liability possibly in the millions of dollars?
Has anyone on the Town Council put anything in writing backing you on this?
Did anyone on the Town Council or Board of Finance express any queaziness about this assault on the legal rights of a number of Avon citizens?
Even one person out of 21 elected representatives?
No one spoke up for the civil rights of their neighbors?
No one spoke up for the US Constitution?”
There’s no reason not to record telephone calls between elected represenatives and constituents now. If this was mandated and okay, then that’s mandated to. It’s the only possible outcome
I’ve already been contacted by some people who wish to sue the town for violations of their civil rights. They are white hot with anger. Regardless of what I do, they will be suing the town. They will be contacting the ACLU as well as the Federalist Society and other national organizations dedicated to defending the Constitution.
This is why I tried to warn everyone before this happened. This is what I hoped to avert.
Well, there won’t even be money for basketball nets in future budgets.
Please forward to everyone on your town government mailing list. Anyway, nothing is private anymore in Avon anymore. Maybe a new sign on Route 44 welcoming visitors: “Welcome To Avon. Leave Your Privacy Behind.”
This is so sad and so unnecessary. It is really depressing.
Cliff
Joe said,
April 3, 2009 at 5:00 PM
I’ve got news for you. The ACLU would embrace the efforts of Ms. Levine. This isn’t about voter intimidation (there has not been a vote yet) This is simply about open gevernment, and government of the people for the people and by the people.
Avon Budget said,
April 3, 2009 at 10:47 PM
There is a new thread with Sharon (Sam) Levine requesting emails under the Freedom of Information Act. Guess what surfaced from this request? An email from Sam Levine and Ms. Merlin rallying their troops.
Here are the questions on this. Does this constitute fair play or stacking the deck? Was their plan to flood the town officials email accounts and then try to prove a point by immediately requesting the emails under FOI?
From: lmerlin2@comcast.net
To: lmerlin2@comcast.net
Subject: Fw: Tomorrow Night’s crucial Bd of Finance Meeting
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:06:50 -0400
If you can only make one meeting next week, please come tomorrow night. But if you can come on Thursday (see below) that would be a great way to figure out how we can really make a difference this year and maybe help get a referendum passed in this town first time around.
In addition, don’t forget to e-mail the BOF anytime betw/now and Tuesday when they make their final decision on what the BOE’s budget will be that goes to referendum. (If you recall, after tomorrow night’s big town meeting and after hearing from the community at the meeting and in e-mails, the BOF meets to discuss what to do, and usually cuts back on both the Town and the BOE budgets. The realistic goal is not to ask them for more than the BOE asked for, but to ask them to cut back as little as possible at this point. That meeting is Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 pm BOF Workshop in the Avon Room at Town Hall – BOF – as I said, they will discuss what number they think the town voters will “tolerate” and set the number they will send to referendum first time around. If they can’t come to a final decision that night, they will have one more meeting either on Wed. or Thurs. if necessary.) Here are the e-mails addresses – feel free to cut and paste – ask them to distribute your letter to the appropriate boards. I have always thought e-mails can make a difference, especially from new voices.
Town Manager: PSCHENCK@town.avon.ct.us
Board of Finance Chairperson: tfh101@sbcglobal.net
Board of Ed Chairperson: peggyroell@comcast.net
Town Council Chairperson: john_carlson@sbcglobal.net
—– Original Message —–
From: Sam Levine
To: Sam Levine
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2009 3:21 PM
Subject: Fwd: Tomorrow Night’s crucial Bd of Finance Meeting
Dear Concerned Parents,
Please bear with me if I am sending out repeats I am working out my contact glitches- NB I have modified this letter read to end.
I like the rest of you am extremely concerned by the upcoming school cuts. In previous years when things were difficult the get the vote movement helped in mitigating the damages. This year the damage has already been done and we have not even received the proposed budget from the town.
FYI we live in a town of approximately 15,000 residents we have a historical presidential election turnout rate of over 95%. On average 1,800 no voters have determined the fate of our community. All we need to come up with is 2000 people to vote yes and we can restore our schools, services and provide for those who live in this town, who are really in need.
First on the Agenda: getting enough parents (Moms and Dads) toSupport our schools on Monday March 30th 7:30 at the Sr. Center
Here is a Link for you to find out all that is about to be slashed:http://www.avon.k12.ct.us/webshare/District/Newsletter/Spring-2009.pdf
Please spend tomorrow calling and emailing those individuals that you can rally and convince to attend, this is not a fun job but we desperately need bodies tomorrow, This is a CRUCIAL step in the process we need people to show up en masse!!!!!!
Second: we need to get people involved and educated more so than the 50 or so regular campaigners that gets involved out every year.
This means you (and those who you can wrestle to the ground so that they appreciate the direness of the situation) MUST participate by:
1) Making difficult phone calls
2) Handing out literature at schools and campaign hard to get parents out there aware and willing to vote.
3) Scaring people with the truth about the cuts that are about to fall. (See link above)
4) Dedicate yourselves to helping your children’s future on a local level with the same energy and dedication that you utilize in your own home
5) Presenting this group with the email addresses of at least 5 friends or family members within the community to help support our children this effort- it should not be a tough sell.
FYI I have set up this separate email account and will not use yours or any other email addresses for any purpose other than to support our schools in the upcoming and future referendums.
Good news:
1) If all the parents who support the schools actually vote, our schools can be repaired in the future
2) Dads as a rule do not vote as readily as the Moms in referendums, Moms have something that Dad’s want
OUR FIRST MEETING DATE: THURSDAY APRIL 2nd 7:30 pm AHS Public Conference room off the library DO NOT ASSUME THAT EVERYONE ELSE CAN MAKE THIS MEETING– EVERYONES PRESENCE IS ESSENTIAL TO ITS SUCCESS!!!! Sorry for being pushy but we have been bitten by the no show before and we all have pressing agendas.
Sincerely,
Sam Levine
Karen Cianci said,
April 21, 2009 at 4:40 PM
I promised myself that I would not comment/post on this blogspot but I had the rare opportunity to run into Cliff Their today at Brueggers Bagels. I saw a few town employees there and we spoke briefly about the budget in town. As I was cleaning my area to leave I saw a professional person surfing the web. (I did not know that Brueggers had Wi-Fi so I started a convo.)
We talked together for at least 15 mins while his wife was getting her hair cut at Cahoots next door.
LIttle did I know at that time that I was speaking to Mr. Cliff Their from the AvonBudget.Blogspot. So I spoke frankly, candidly.
When it was time to leave I shook this man’s hand and asked his name and he said “Cliff Their”. I remembered the name from the Blogspot and told him that I was surprised.
My surprise is that we were not 100% divided in our thoughts. Mr. Their believes that a spending increase in the BOE budget is unnecessary. He feels that classroom size can safely be increased (after all aren’t college classrooms huge?). Increasing classroom sizes would hurt only the teacher since it is just as easy to lecture or teach to 30 kids as it is to lecture or teach to 26 kids. That is where we reached somewhat common ground. I, for one, do not have those stats. I am quite sure that studies have been done showing the consequences of an overcrowded classroom. Does anyone have these?
Mr. Their: I hope you don’t say “fooey” when you see the studies. I think that increasing classroom sizes is akin to a Hair Salon (interesting since your wife was getting a hair cut). This Hair Salon in town has overhead that is way too high; electricity, health care costs, supplies. So, they eliminate some hair stylists reducing their spending. The only problem is that there is no other hair salon in town. So, the line grows outside. The hairdressers are getting tired. The haircuts they give look awful. Maybe people now move to another town where services are more plentiful. Who knows?
Or maybe another salon opens up? Maybe a Chartered Salon.
We did come to a quasi-meeting ground but I then left and gave it some thought on the ride home. Increasing classroom sizes would only serve to add more work to already overworked teachers. Perhaps we should find a way to streamline a teacher’s busy day as a start to a solution. But first please vote YES on the budget. It’s all about the kids.
“Seek first to understand; then be understood”
Joan said,
April 22, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Cliff Thier may be commenting on the blog, but he is not a part of the administration of it. Don’t be confused!!!