Apparently not content with losing a Legislative Council bid to pass an ordinance that would regulate political protests in Newtown — top Republicans have been doubling down, attacking opponents on social media and in Letters to the Editor in The Newtown Bee. (We’re still waiting for Part 2 of THAT rant. Perhaps cooler heads prevailed.)
Democrats have responded in The Bee, below. If Republicans wish to turn November’s local elections into a referendum on free speech, we welcome the challenge.
It’s About Dialogue Amongst Neighbors — Not Regulation
Published: Jul 24, 2025
To The Editor:
About a previous week’s Letter to the Editor “Pisani to Sue Newtown — Part 1” I could not disagree more. In utter disregard for the sentiment of about 200 people that showed up to speak against the proposed ordinance, Mr Pisani missed the point. Not everything has to be legislated.
As one of the organizers of the Rock this Democracy (RTD) rallies, I spoke about that very point that night. Now that we are preparing for our upcoming rally at the Flagpole on July 17. I reached out to Chief Kullgren to discuss logistics. To be clear, the Chief was not the one who initiated this call for an ordinance. He provided a template ordinance at the request of First Selectman Jeff Capeci. The Chief made that very plain during his testimony in front of the LC. I can vouch for the fact that the Chief has been nothing but helpful towards RTD and the rallies. His main concern is understandably safety.
I reached out to the Chief, for guidance and coordination. The NPD is planning on using four police officers, an administrator and a drone for the event that will take from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. While we are not required to, we will be paying $1200 for two officers to help defer those costs. We also have 10 RTD volunteers who will help keep the crowds off the streets. I also reached out to the businesses affected, hence the 6:30 pm start time. It is a time that affects these businesses the least.
When people talk to one another amazing things happen. It was not our intention to harm these businesses in any way, but we learned and we worked to find common ground without the First Amendment being stepped on. I also spoke to the landlord for these businesses. I told him that through our volunteers we will keep West Street (to the best of our ability) open and the rear parking area for the building clear as well. Main Street side parking is harder to control but we will try.
We expect our leaders to be level headed. Especially when dealing with something so sensitive as our First Amendment rights. The First Selectman should have called for dialogue amongst all concerned parties rather than turning to an ordinance that would have impeded that right. Public outrage does not happen on a schedule. It is often spontaneous and given the rise in our crowds — quite necessary.
As for Mr Pisani, we do not need a temper tantrum where he is calling his constituents, his fellow LC members, and the town names. Also going as far as threatening to sue for not getting his way. This is not a good indication of being level headed. It is not about the will of one misguided individual — it is about the will of the people that he represents, respecting their rights and just using common sense.
Alex Villamil
Sandy Hook
Who is Calling Newtowners Stupid?
Published: Jul 17, 2025
To The Editor:
We want our elected officials to understand local issues and the US Constitution, and to listen to what residents have to say. What we do NOT want is for them to insult their constituents and call us stupid. That is definitely not wise, nor is it the way to win votes!
In his letter to the editor last week, Derek Pisani, referring to himself in the 3rd person, said “Derek Pisani is exploring the idea of suing Newtown for “Gross Stupidity”.” And then he quotes himself again (again referring to himself in the 3rd person and getting his name in print more times) saying at the Legislative Council meeting on July 2: “The magnitude of stupidity in this town is incomprehensible and needs to be addressed”.
Do the voters want to hear that one of our elected officials thinks Newtowners are stupid?
He goes on to say “It has always been my goal to find common ground when negotiating.” Good goal! But name calling is not negotiating or finding common ground; it’s what a child does when they know they’re losing.
I can understand his frustration; public opinion was strongly against him, and he was soundly outvoted. But if he wants to run for reelection, he should show respect for his constituents and colleagues.
Get over it, Derek Pisani. Maybe in the future you could actually try your goal of negotiating and finding common ground, instead of name calling when you don’t get your way.
Betsy Litt
Newtown
Replies To Pisani
Published: Jul 17, 2025
To The Editor:
I was genuinely taken aback to learn that a member of our Legislative Council believes that “The magnitude of the stupidity in this town is incomprehensible…”
The arrogance of this person is exceeded only by the stupidity of the explanation that he advances to justify this assertion. If this is an example of the thinking being brought to bear on issues germane to the governance of our community then I am justifiably concerned about our future as a livable, loving, supportive community. Leadership in our community deserves better representation.
Thus, I support the LC member in his recommendation that we remember to vote in November.
James J. Ritchie
Sandy Hook