Remarks from Jan 29 RTM Meeting re: Teacher Contracts
We have posted below the remarks by Peter Ambrose, a member of the RTM from District 1, at the RTM meeting on Monday, January 29th, explaining why he would be voting to reject the proposed three-year teachers' contract, which was subsequently approved by the body along strict party lines by a vote of 24 to approve, 11 to reject, 1 abstention and 4 absent. The final paragraph reads as follows:
"In conclusion, I will not be voting in favor of this contract because it is too rich and is not in the best long-term interests of our Town . . . of our great school system . . . and of all our other great public services. Connecticut is in trouble because it has allowed spending to grow faster than what taxpayers were able and willing to pay, including overly generous compensation for state employees. Let’s not make the same mistake here in Fairfield by locking in higher labor costs for the next three years at a time of great economic uncertainty." Read Full Remarks
"In conclusion, I will not be voting in favor of this contract because it is too rich and is not in the best long-term interests of our Town . . . of our great school system . . . and of all our other great public services. Connecticut is in trouble because it has allowed spending to grow faster than what taxpayers were able and willing to pay, including overly generous compensation for state employees. Let’s not make the same mistake here in Fairfield by locking in higher labor costs for the next three years at a time of great economic uncertainty." Read Full Remarks
