To the editor:

For weighty decisions we must make in life, it has been my experience that if we can take time to understand the facts, engage in considered reflection and transparent discussion, and perhaps most importantly, help each other to ask the right questions, then we will arrive most often at the best answer.

Unfortunately, right now I must confess that, concerning the matter now coming before us as town citizens as to whether or not we should build a new $100 million school for our children in grades 5-12, I do not feel we as citizens and taxpayers are involved in such a process. Indeed, I feel as if we are being pushed in front of an on-rushing train, a rush to judgment impelling us all to make a decision by January 23 at a Town Meeting, and if approved, thereafter at the ballot box on February 27. (By the way, the rush to make this decision will be at a time when many Westport voters are either out of town or unable to get out due to winter weather conditions).

For me, the information so far provided to the public to make this important decision is based almost solely on emotionally charged and irrational thought. It is reasoning that, so far as I have seen in published literature and reports, never once mentions the word “education” or how the construction of a new school will in a measured, specific way improve the education of our children.

And, consider this: Even if we accept as true the rosy estimates put forth by those who support the construction of the new school and all it has to offer, that the benefits will: (1) cost a mere $100 million; (2) that the taxpayers will only need to borrow $58 million for 30 years, these same taxpayers will shoulder a $100- $150 annual increase in their property taxes for each $100,000 of valuation in the price of their homes. That’s a $400-$500 annual increase in their property taxes for 30 years for the owner of a $400,000 home. This 30-year impost will be added to the yet-to-be-determined tax increase to pay for the final cost to construct the new police station.

I read what is being written and I listen — and I end up having so many questions: What is the rush? What are the facts? Where is the transparency and considered deliberation? Most importantly, what are the right questions, what are the alternatives, and have they really being considered?

Bill Reed

Westport