AS SUBMITTED TO THE NEWSTIMES
Douglas Thielen
9 Pheasant Drive,
New Fairfield, CT 06812
[203] 746-4039
e-Mail: Doug1016@aol.com
Letter to the Editor
VIA FAX
March 30, 2011
300 words
OUT OF CONTROL IN NEW FAIRFIELD
New Fairfield’s 1st Selectman purchased a 64 year old communications Tower in New York completely on his own, with absolutely no authorization. Boards and Commissions input were not solicited by John Hodge; Board of Finance approval to purchase was not requested nor granted to our resident Monarch.
A system of financial checks and balances exists in our Republic and that fiscal system was put in place for very good reasons, not the least of which related to addressing concerns of financial impropriety. Given the lack of any approval to purchase the tower, was the fox guarding the chicken coop during the purchase?
Has Hodge paid way too much for the tower? Was an appraisal and structural analysis done on the tower and concrete pad? Vehicular access will be near impossible during nasty winters, so when the system goes down during a heavy snowfall, how to access the system? Snowmobiles? Helicopters? At what cost?
Hodge’s distorted economics and fuzzy math that supposedly “support” this purchase are at work again. His annual $140,000 income projection for leasing tower space is another pipe dream.
Although the tower is operational, a nasty “surprise” in the future is a distinct possibility. The tower is 64 sixty four years old and one has to wonder how well it was constructed and installed way back then. Also, what specifications, requirements and regulations were in place over three generations ago in New York State?
New Fairfield’s municipal election is in 9 months. Please think long and hard about Hodge’s dictatorial administrative style versus one of working together for the good of us taxpaying residents. Also, consider the lack of open and transparent governance as has been demonstrated throughout Hodge’s administration. Having a fair and objective administration, devoid of deception, shenanigans and pet projects would be a refreshing change.
Doug Thielen
New Fairfield
203-746-4039
PS/ I have also e-mailed this to you at letters@newstimes.com
