Reprinted from The Trumbull Times © Copyright 2009
March 5, 2009

To the Editor:

Monday night, Democrats on the Trumbull Town Council voted unanimously to approve Phase I of the Trumbull High School "like new" renovation plan. By approving this plan, Trumbull's Democrats endorsed the $5.6 million design of the swimming pool, which exceeds the council's funding authorization by $600,000.

Republican resolutions to eliminate the new swimming pool, reduce the size of the new auditorium, retain council control of bidding procedures and approve a written report of its building committee were summarily rejected.

Someone has to listen to Trumbull residents. The Trumbull Republican Party understands the economic realities facing Trumbull residents.each day, we talk to residents who are concerned about their jobs, their retirement plans, their investments, their household budgets, and yes, their property taxes.

The Republican resolutions introduced to the Town Council would have eliminated the $5 million natatorium, or swimming pool, housed in a separate building, from Phase I of the renovation.

Also, the capacity of the auditorium would have ben scaled back to a more modest 750 seats, which is still an increase of 25% from the current capacity of 600.

The intent was to conserve funding for the learning centers of the school as the projected cost of the project has exceeded the authorized funding of $73 million even after the building committee eliminated the $3 million cost of temporary classrooms.

We believe that the Republican resolutions were practical and made common sense. Our resolutions would not have reduced the state reimbursement or changed the scope of the project.

In these economic times, our citizens are looking to their elected officials for leadership. The Trumbull GOP wants to focus on the renovation elements most essential to learning, rather than build a swimming pool when our economy is so uncertain.

Trumbull's Democrats have shown, once again, that they are out of touch with their constituents. During Ray Baldwin's administration, Trumbull's Democrats have increased spending and property taxes by more than 50%, and this is before $4 million in additional annual costs from the renovation are passed along to taxpayers. The Trumbull Republican Party will continue to listen to the voice of Trumbull residents and we will advocate on their behalf to ensure that voice is heard. Trumbull voters deserve better.

Jack Testani, chairman
Trumbull Republican Town Committee