Two Letters to the Editor from Bethel Residents

“Education is the soul of a society” Gilbert Chesterton

Bethel Taxpayer asks Bethel to remember the importance of education.

By Larry Craybas, Bethel Taxpayer

It’s time to vote, and appropriate to reflect on the real meaning of this quote. My family has lived in Bethel for 33 years. My children and grandchildren have been taught in our public schools. As a taxpayer I have consciously invested in public education not only for my family’s benefit but for all the kids in Bethel who deserve a quality education and the support of a caring society.

 Times are different today from my high school days in the late 50’s. The world has changed dramatically. Competition for college placement and for meaningful 21st century jobs is heightened beyond anything I experienced as an 18 year old. I didn’t have to compete against students from China, Japan or India. I just had to be better than my classmates. Not so today. As a society we have an obligation to protect our own and to prepare them well for the world they are inheriting.

 Our school system is recognized as one of the best performing Districts in Connecticut. Read the news and you are likely to see an article acknowledging the quality of education the people of Bethel are providing their children. What we must not do now, as a society, is back away from this support. Voting down the school budget will affect a generation or two of children who only go this way once ... no do-over chance for them.

 School budgets have been managed exceptionally tight over the last 5 years, during the worst of this country’s economic problems. Approval of a sixth status quo budget will allow our school system to remain focused on improving student achievement and in sustaining the delivery of quality education to Bethel’s school kids.

 PLEASE VOTE on May 17th

Larry Craybas, Bethel Taxpayer

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Bad Behavior at May 7 Annual Bethel Town Meeting

Resident calls for better behavior at Town Hall meetings.

By Cynthia McCorkindale 

Although I have previously attended Bethel Annual Town Meetings in Bethel, it’s only in the past few that I have gone to the microphone.

So last night, filtering my questions through the moderator, my first query was answered by one of the panelists. I turned back to the moderator to ask a followup. As I was speaking, another panelist began to speak, even though I was in the middle of asking another question! I looked pleadingly at the moderator, hoping she would step in, to no avail. So I addressed the panelist myself and said, "I'm sorry. I don't believe I've asked the question yet."

A loud "boooo" rose up from the crowd. It appeared that by speaking out and challenging this particular panelist, I had offended at least two-thirds of the room!

The audible groaning continued as several other residents made unpopular comments, with applause breaking out when their motions failed. The moderator did not intervene. 

Those who comprised this unruly majority were mainly the supporters of the budget as it stood. The minority, like myself, asked questions and made motions to reduce it.

Interestingly, Bethel’s school system maintains a strong policy against bullying and celebrates diversity, so it seems paradoxical that the very people who support its budget would engage in such flagrantly rude behavior towards those whose points of view do not exactly mirror their own.

To the parents who attended, many of them with their children: Here’s what your behavior teaches them: “Don’t ever express an opinion that goes against the popular majority, because if you do, you will be publicly derided. Make sure if you ever hear someone challenging the status quo, that you are vociferous in your contempt of them.”

It’s interesting to note that those in the minority sat quietly and spoke politely.

Anyone who speaks at any official Town gathering should be treated with respect and should be able to express his or her point of view without fear of public attack. That's just part of being an adult in a civilized society. 

About this column: The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of Patch or its editors.