USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Newtown > Newtown, Connecticut, past and present > Part 8
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To register, you appear in person at one of these sessions with evidence of your qualifications to become a voter.
Qualifications of a Voter.
1. A citizen of the U. S., born or naturalized.
2. 21 years of age or over.
3. A resident of Connecticut at least 12 months and of Newtown at least 6 months.
4. Able to read any part of the Constitution or of the Statutes of Con- necticut.
5. Of sound mind and good morals (i.e. not convicted of any serious crime as defined in the laws of Connecticut.).
How to Vote.
Voting in Newtown is by machine. Those who are unfamiliar with this method of voting may see the machine demonstrated at the Edmond Town Hall prior to Election Day on dates announced in the local paper and in the 'Voter's Guide'. Demonstration models are also shown at the polling places on Election Day, with instructors from each party in attendance to assist.
Where to Vote.
Newtown has two voting districts. Voters residing in the first district vote at the Edmond Town Hall. The voting place for the second dictrict is the Sandy Hook Fire House.
When to Vote.
State and National elections are held in even years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Newtown conducts local elections in odd years on the first Monday in October.
Whom to Vote for.
National officials (elected in even years)
for 4 year term President of the United States
for 4 year term Vice President of the United States
for 6 year term United States Senator
for 2 year term United States Congressman from 4th District
for 2 year term United States Congressman-at-large
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State Officials (alternating in even years with Presidential Elections)
for 4 year term Governor
for 4 year term Lieutenant Governor
for 4 year term Secretary of State
for 4 year term Treasurer
for 4 year term
.Comptroller
for 2 year term
Attorney General
r
to Conn.
for 2 year term Senator from 25th District
for 2 year term 2 Representatives from Newtown General
7
Assembly
County Official
4 year term Sheriff of Fairfield County
District Officials
4 year term 1 Judge of Probate of the District of Newtown
2 year term 17 Justices of the Peace
Local Officials (elected in odd years)
2 year term .3 Selectmen
2 year term Town Clerk
2 year term Town Treasurer and Agent of Town Deposit Fund
2 year term Tax Collector
4 year term Board of Assessors
4 year term Board of Tax Review
6 year term Board of Education
6 year term
Board of Finance
2 year term Board of Registrars
6 year term Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall
2 year term .7 Constables
Absentee voting
If a registered voter expects to be unable to go to the polling place on an election day because of service in the armed forces, a physical disability, illness or out-of-state commitments he may ask the Town Clerk for a blank absentee ballot and mailing instructions. This must be done in person or by mail not more than two months before the date of Election, and it must be returned so that it shall be received by the Town Clerk not later than 6 P.M. of the day prior to Election Day; or if the election be on a Monday, not later than noon of Election Day.
Voting information for those who move
If you move within the town limits, check with the Registrar to make sure you are properly registered at your new address.
If you move from one town to another in Connecticut you retain for a period of one day less than six months, the right to vote in National and State
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elections in the town from which you have moved. Your voting privilege does not move with you-you must apply after at least 6 months residence to the officials of that town. This new application will cancel your registration in your former town.
Voters moving to other States are governed by the election laws of the state in which they establish residence.
The Voter and his effectiveness
Your vote can be most effective if you join a political party. If you do not enroll in a political party you may vote at elections but you can not vote at a caucus and you thereby forfeit your right to participate in the selection of candidates. The caucus is the 'coming together' of party members. You do not have to join a party, but if you do not you will vote at election time for candidates nominated by someone else. In local elections where many of our Boards are bi-partisan, nomination in the party caucus is practically equiva- lent to election. This means, in effect, that only those who vote in a caucus have any choice in the selection of many of our town officials.
How a voter may join a party
Membership in a party does not affect your freedom to vote as you please in an election.
The party caucus is the only form of primary election held in Connecti- cut. You may enroll in a party when you become a voter or by calling in person at the Edmond Town Hall on any day that voters are made or when the Registrars of voters are in session for revising the voting lists on the last Friday in July.
Joining the party is the first step-the next step is to join a political club within that party. As a club member you get to know the people who want to run for office and you can voice your opinion on those best qualified.
In Newtown each party schedules a caucus at least three weeks before an election or convention to nominate local candidates or elect delegates. Caucus dates are published well in advance, in "The Newtown Bee."
Remember-the power to nominate is as important as the right to elect.
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ELECTED OFFICIALS
Elected Officials
Term
Annual Salary
How Elected
Powers and Duties
Board of Selectmen Bi-partisan Ist Selectman "
2 Years
2nd 3rd
6000.00 300.00 300.00
1 nominee for Ist Selectman and 1 other nominee for the Board of Select- men from each party. Any 2 may be voted for ; 3 are elected.
The Board of Selectmen form the governing power of the town. The Ist Selectman is Town Agent and Chief of Police. The Board's most important powers are those having to do with highways; the appointment of non-elective town officials and employees; administration of town relief and welfare funds; adjustment and settlement of claims against the town; prep- aration of the budget for the coming fiscal year and admin- istration of the current budget (except the school budget ). The Board meets once a week and meets with the town officials once a month.
Town Clerk and Registrar
2 Years
$2000.00 & fees.
1 nominee from each party; 1 may be voted for ; 1 is elected.
The Town Clerk is the recorder of all town deeds; registrar of vital statistics; agent of the state and town in issuing dog- licenses and of the state for hunting and fishing licenses. The town clerk is the custodian of all records including voting records and is by statute the clerk of Town Meetings.
Town Treasurer & Agent of Town Deposit Fund.
2 Years
$1250.00
1 nominee from each party; 1 may be voted for; 1 is elected.
The Treasurer receives and safe- guards all funds of the Town and pays them out on presenta- tion of Selectmen's orders and School Board orders. His re- cords are open at any reason- able time to any taxpayer.
Board of Assessors Bi-partisan
3 Members
4 Years over- lapping terms.
per diem part-time
In the years when 2 are elected, there are 2 nomi- nees from the majority party ; 2 may be voted for; 2 are elected. In the years when 1 is elected, there is 1 nominee from the minority party. 1 may be voted for; 1 is elected.
The Assessors place valuations on all taxable property and compile an abstract of such valuations (the Grand List). State law requires a complete revaluation of property every ten years. Newtown's last re- valuation was in 1949.
The Grand List is open for in- spection any reasonable time at the Town Clerk's Office. It must be completed by Jan. 31 when it is passed over by. the Town Clerk to the Board of Tax Re- view.
Appeals go to the Board of Tax Review. Final appeal may go to the Court of Common Pleas.
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Elected Officials
Term
Annual Salary
How Elected
Powers and Duties
Board of Tax Review Bi-partisan
4 Years over- lapping terms.
per diem part-time
Same as Board of Assessors
3 Members
The Board of Tax Review hears appeals of taxpayers on as- sessments and may change the amount of assessments on the books. It holds its first session on the first business day in Febru- ary and any additional hearings deemed necessary up to Febru- ary 20. Its work must be com- pleted by February 28.
Tax Collector
2 Years
$3500.00
1 nominee from each party; 1 may be voted for; l is elected.
The Tax Collector collects all money due the town in taxes. He must report to the State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles all automobile taxes still un- paid on November 1st each year, this report rendering automobile licenses subject to cancellation or refusal. Taxes are due May 1 and interest accrues from May 1, if not paid before June 1.
Board of Finance Bi-partisan
6 Years over- lapping terms.
None
6 Members
1 nominee from each party ; 1 may be voted for ; 2 are elected. The Board elects its Chairman and clerk and may make appoint- ments to fill va- cancies in its membership.
The Board of Finance holds, by statute, three regular meetings each year on the 1st and 2nd Tuesdays in September and on the 3rd Monday in October. But they meet approximately once a month and will meet at any time to hear requests for special appropriations. The Board of Finance has power to make transfers of unexpended bal- ances from one appropriation to another. The Board's report for the past fiscal year and the estimated budget for the com- ing year must be published in a local paper in advance of the Annual Town Meeting in Oc- tober. It recommends the tax rate which is acted upon at the adjourned Town Meeting in April.
Board of Education Bi-partisan 6 Members
6 Years over- lapping terms.
None
1 nominee from each party; 1 may be voted for; 2 are elected. The Board elects its Chairman and secretary from its own membership and may make appointments to fill vacancies in its membership.
The Board of Education is re- quired by the State to furnish opportunity 180 days or more each year for elementary and High School education for all children from 6-16 inclusive: and to supply reasonable and desirable transportation. Chil- dren 6-16 must attend the pub- lic schools or receive equivalent schooling; kindergarten is op- tional.
The Board employs superinten- dent, principals and teachers ; decides on a large part of the curriculum; sets school calen dar and entrance policies, size and distribution of classes and controls spending of the school budget.
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Elected Officials
Term
Annual Salary
How Elected
Powers and Duties
Registrars of Voters Bi-partisan Ist Voting Dist. 2 2nd Voting Dist. 2
2 Years
per diem part-time
2 nominees from each party; 2 may be voted for; 4 are elected.
There is a Registrar for each party for the two voting districts of Newtown. They prepare an up-to-date list of registered voters of Newtown and also pre- pare separate lists of the elec- tors in each voting district for use by the election officials. They also revise the caucus list each year on the last Friday in July. They attend all sessions when voters are made for the purpose of enrollment.
Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall Bi-partisan
6 Years over- lapping terms
None
6 Members
1 nominee from each party ; 1 may be voted for; 2 are elected. The Board elects its Chairman and clerk from its own membership and may make ap- pointments to fill vacancies in its membership.
The Board shall care for, main- tain and keep in repair the Town Hall and its equipment and grounds and employ those who are needed. The endow- ment income and all receipts from the operation of its facili- ties are accounted for monthly to the Town Treasurer who in turn is authorized to pay all bills upon order of the Board.
Judge of Probate
4 Years
None- Statutory fees.
(Elected at state elections.) 1 nominee from each party ; 1 is voted for; 1 is elected.
The Probate Judge of the Pro- bate Court for the District of Newtown handles probate of estates, trusts, commitments to institutions, guardianships and conservatorships. In addition he can waive the five day marriage law. While serving he must by statute be an elector within the probate district of Newtown. By statute he appoints a clerk of the probate court.
Justices of the Peace- 17 Justices
2 Years
None- Statutory fees.
(Elected at State elections. ) 9 nominees from each party ; 9 may be voted for; 17 are elected.
A Justice of the Peace must be sworn in by January 10 follow- ing election, or he will be con- sidered as having refused the office. Qualified Justices of the Peace may administer oaths, perform civil marriage cere- monies, and take acknowledge- ments and verification of legal papers or act as Notary Public.
Constables 7
2 Years
Fees and mileage.
4 nominees from each party ; 4 may be voted for; 7 are elected.
To qualify, a constable must after election be sworn in and post a $1000 bond. Constables who qualify may serve writs, summonses and complaints, and may make arrests. They are em- ployed at times as traffic officers.
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APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS
Appointive Officials
Term
Annual Salary
How appointed
Powers and Duties
Clerk to the Select- men
1 Year
$2600.00
By the Selectmen
The Clerk to the Selectmen keeps the books and performs all clerical work for the Select- men.
Auditor
1 Year
$1500.00
By the Board of Finance with the approval of the Tax Commissioner of the State.
The financial transactions of Newtown are audited and ac- counting records examined every year. The Auditor's report with comments and recommenda- tions, is printed in each An- nual Town Report.
Judge of the Town Court of Newtown
4 Years
$1450.00
By the General Assembly on nomination by the Governor.
The Judge of the Town Court of Newtown takes the oath prescribed by law for judicial officers. He is presiding officer of the Town Court of Newtown. (see article on "Courts and Juries").
Deputy Judge
4 Years
$75.00 and extra whenever he holds court.
By the General Assembly on nomination by the Governor.
The Deputy Judge serves in the absence or inability of the Judge.
Prosecuting Attorney
4 Years
$1200.00
By the Judge of the Town Court of Newtown.
The Prosecuting Attorney prose- cutes for the Town Court of Newtown.
Assistant Prosecutor
4 Years
$50.00 and extra when he serves.
By the Judge of the Town Court of Newtown.
The Assistant Prosecutor serves in the absence or disability of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Town Counsel
1 Year
Fee basis
By the Selectman
The Town Counsel gives opin- ions on the legality of Town actions and of the call for Town Meetings.
Probation Officer
4 Years
$50.00
By the Judge of the Town Court of Newtown.
The Probation Officer functions in cases referred to him by the Judge or Deputy Judge.
Health Officer
3 Years part-time
Fee basis
Proposed by the Selectman after approval by the State Commis- sioner of Health.
The Health Officer of Newtown is required to be a licensed physician. His duties include control of communicable dis- eases, supervising general sani- îation, inspection of restaurants at 3 month intervals and the in- spection of health hazards or nuisances upon complaint of any resident.
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Appointive Officials
Term
Annual Salary
How appointed
Powers and Duties
School Nurse
1 Year
$4900.00
By Board of Education
The Nurse administers First Aid and gives advice in various health situations. She assists in giving eye tests to every child every year, physical tests every third year and hearing tests every third year. She also as- sists the dental hygienist, co- operates in the chest X-ray pro- gram and in the Infantile Paralysis vaccine program.
Visiting Nurses
1 Year
Part- time
By the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurse Association of Newtown, Inc.
A staff of two Registered Nurses offers home nursing service to the sick of the community. They also have an office in the Town Hall where they see patients.
Tree Warden
1 Year
Fee basis
By the Selectman
The Tree Warden advises on trees to be pruned or removed along the highways.
Dog Warden
1 Year
Fee basis
By the Selectman
The Dog Warden keeps stray dogs at least 5 days, after which he may dispose of them. He has a list of all licensed dogs in Newtown.
Library Committee 24 Trustees
Life Member- ship
None
Appointed by the Trustees to fill vacancies.
The Trustees act as the govern- ing body for the administration of the affairs of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.
Elementary School Building Committee
While active
None
By Town Meeting
7 Members
The Committee advises on sites, plans and construction of the new Sandy Hook elementary school.
Board of Fire Com- missioners
1 Year
None
Each of the five Fire Companies appoints one mem- ber. These five choose two other members who are not associated officially with any Fire Company. These seven mem- bers appoint a Coordinator.
The Board of Fire Commission- ers is the policy making group for the Fire Companies. At each monthly meeting it examines the operations of the previous month, including expenditures, and authorizes the payment by the town of the Fire Depart- ment obligations incurred. The Board handles no money but does operate within a budget figure that is approved at Town Meeting.
Park Commission 6 Members
2 Years
None
Appointed by various organiza- tions on approval of the Selectmen. The Chairman and Secretary are chosen by the Commission from its membership.
The Park Commission meets monthly to decide on the de- velopment and future plans for the recently acquired recrea- tional park. The only perma- nent member of the Commission is the Health Officer.
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7 Members
TOWN REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
October 1, 1953 to September 30, 1954 Receipts
Property Taxes ...... $406,598.36
School Revenue
from other sources
13,089.76
Liquor Licenses 13,560.00
Outside Work
9,156.75
Sale of Notes
44,850.00
Other Revenues
14,713.30
State Grants
Schools
88,233.76-13.8%
Roads 46,293.35- 7.2%
Welfare
2,955.44- 0.5%
Other
2,907.80- 0.5%
Total
$642,358.52
2% 2.1%
1.4%
6.9%
2.2%
School Revenue from other sources
Liquor Licenses Outside Work
Disbursements
Town Government .... $ 32,055.17
Highways & Roads .. 108,809.60
Protection
Fire 18,358.72
Police
3,799.65
Telephone
9,351.18
Traffic
684.29
Civil Defense
100.00
Welfare
12,453.06
Debt Service
School
18,958.25
Other
1,215.62
School Debt Retire-
ment
70,000.00
Schools
272,035.84
Purchases
Property ...
34,950.00
Grader
12,000.00
Revenues dispersed ..
15,239.03
Miscellaneous
Health
2,040.40
County Tax &
Police 0.6%
surance and Bonds
8,902.20
Other
17,422.03
Civil Defense 0.02%
Total
$638,375.04
5% TOWN GOV'T
4.4% MISCELLANEOUS
5.1% PROTECTION
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY & GRADER 7.3%
Debt Service School 3% Other 0.2%
Fire 2.9%
County Tax, In-
Insurance & Bonds 1.4%
Telephone 1.5%
Health 0.3%
Traffic 0.1%
Other 2.7%
SCHOOLS 42.6%
HIGHWAYS AND ROADS 17%
SCHOOL DEBT RETIREMENT 11 %.
3.2%
2.4%
Revenues dispersed
2% WELFARE
PROPERTY TAXES 63.4%
STATE GRANTS 22 %
SALE OF NOTES
Other Revenues
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COURTS AND JURIES
In the Connecticut Courts the place of trial is determined by the severity of the penalty involved and by the place of residence of the parties involved or location of the accident or misdemeanor.
By Statute no jury shall be used in any Town Court. In all civil actions brought to any Town Court the plaintiff shall be deemed to have waived the right of trial by jury.
Juries for the Superior Court and the Court of Common Pleas are chosen from the roster of voters by a committee appointed by our Selectmen. This list is forwarded by the Town Clerk to the Clerk of Court who notifies the citizen when and where he is to serve.
THE PROBATE COURT for the District of Newtown (which happens to be the township of Newtown) is presided over by the Probate Judge for the District. He is the only judge elected directly by the people-elected for a four year term at State election by a plurality of votes. He has an office in Edmond Town Hall. He handles probate of estates, trusts, commitments to institutions, and guardianship cases and conservatorship cases. In addition he can waive the 5 day marriage law. The Probate Judge shall appoint a Clerk of the Probate Court for the District.
THE TOWN COURT OF NEWTOWN has a Judge and a Deputy Judge ap- pointed by the General Assembly, on nomination by the Governor for a term of four years (or an interim appointment of two years until the Legislature next convenes) .
The Prosecutor and Assistant Prosecutor and Probation officer are ap- pointed by the Presiding Judge. The only requirement is that they must be citizens.
Criminal Cases: The Town Court of Newtown has jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed within the limits of the town by people over the age of sixteen, punishable by a fine not exceeding $250.00 or by a jail term not exceeding six months or both. If a judge hears a case which in his opinion should have a punishment greater than he is authorized to impose, he trans- fers or binds it over to the Superior Court for action. Appeals in criminal cases are taken to the Court of Common Pleas.
Civil Cases: The Town Court of Newtown has jurisdiction in all matters at law in which the debt, damage or matter in demand does not exceed the sum of $500.00 and provided the parties involved or either of them, are resi- dents of Newtown. It has jurisdiction in all cases of summary process where the premises to be recovered are wholly within the limits of Newtown. Cases involving over $500.00 are tried by the Court of Common Pleas, or may be taken direct to the Superior Court if they involve over $2,500. Any person receiving an adverse judgment may appeal to the next Court of Common Pleas.
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The Small Claims session of the Town Court of Newtown is presided over by the same judge and has jurisdiction in all matters where the debt does not exceed $100.00. The only cost is $1.50 entry fee. Any resident of Newtown, or any non-resident with a claim against a Newtown resident, can come to this court and be heard without an attorney. There is no appeal from the decision of this court. If a citizen prefers he may ask to have his case heard in the Civil side of the Town Court from which there is an appeal even though the amount involved is small.
PROTECTION
Under Protection in Newtown are included the following departments: Fire, Police, Civil Defense and Ambulance.
When Newtown's telephone service changed from Manual to Dial in June 1953, a General Switchboard (PBX) was installed in the Town Hall to aid in Town Protection.
There are two circuits: For Emergency Use only, and for incoming calls only. Calls for Police, Fire, Ambulance and Civil Defense are handled through the central Switchboard which is staffed 24 hours a day. The telephone num- ber is Garden 6-4425.
Police Protection
There is at present in Newtown one full-time policeman who was hired by the Board of Selectmen in 1952.
The State Police work in very close cooperation with our own town policeman.
The elected constables may be called upon to direct traffic and to make arrests.
Newtown has no town jail. It uses the county jail in Danbury.
Police Emergency Telephone :
Newtown Police: Garden 6-4425 State Police : ask Operator for Enterprise 8800
Newtown Ambulance Association
The Newtown Ambulance Association was formed in 1941 after the Rotary Club appealed to the townspeople for funds to purchase an ambulance. It is now supported by annual contributions by citizens and is free only to town residents. All drivers contribute their services. Telephone: Garden 6-4425
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Civil Defense
The Civil Defense Organization, as it now is, was set up in 1950. Under it Newtown is a receiving center.
The Town Civil Defense is set up under State direction. There are County Directors and Town Directors.
The Director of Civil Defense in Newtown is appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
The Auxiliary State Police are volunteers connected with the State Police who work in conjunction with Newtown Civil Defense Auxiliary Police in case of emergency. The Auxiliary Police are one unit of the Civil Defense Organization. Telephone: Garden 6-4425
Fire Protection
Newtown's present Fire Department consists of five Fire Companies: New- town, Sandy Hook, Hawleyville, Dodgingtown, and Botsford (the youngest) .
Newtown's Fire Department of today was established by resolution adopt- ed at a Special Town Meeting on Sept. 8, 1942. "In accordance with the pro- visions of section 510 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, there is hereby established within and for the Town of Newtown, a Fire Department to be known and designated as the Newtown Fire Department for the purpose of protecting life and property within the Town of Newtown from fire and other emergencies."
The operation, supervision and management of the Department is vested in a Board of Fire Commissioners, consisting of 7 members. Each Company is represented on the Board by one member and these five men choose two other members who are not associated officially with any Fire Company. These seven men choose a Fire Marshall and a Deputy Fire Marshall with executive power to carry out the policies of the Board.
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