To the Editor:
The recent letter defending First Selectman Rooney left out critical facts about Monroe’s schools. What it presented was not a technical assessment; it was a political argument.
The Board of Education’s 2024 facilities study was not a spending proposal. It was a professional, data-driven analysis conducted by independent architects and engineers. That report documented serious, long-term needs in our schools: outdated heating systems, roofs at the end of their life cycle, ADA compliance gaps, and safety concerns.
These are not optional “projects.” They are core responsibilities that any accountable town government must address.
Mr. Rooney has repeatedly claimed he is “waiting for the data.” But the data has been available for several months, prepared by experts and easily accessible on the Board of Education’s website.
Despite this, he has not once attended a Board of Education meeting or any of the many facilities workshops where these concerns were laid out in detail. Instead of engaging directly with the facts, he tells us to keep waiting. But delays don’t make broken boilers or leaking roofs cheaper; they make repairs more expensive and put children at risk. That is not fiscal responsibility. That is avoidance.
Meanwhile, our schools are already at capacity, and additional classroom space is urgently needed.
Rather than addressing this reality, Mr. Rooney’s team supports cluster housing developments that would add significantly more children to the system, with no plan for where those students will go. That is not planning; it is creating a bigger crisis.
It is misleading to suggest that candidates who acknowledge these realities are “reckless” with taxpayer dollars. True responsibility means facing the facts, planning ahead, and engaging the community in setting priorities. Pretending that inaction saves money is simply not true.
The truth is this: failing to plan for known expenses is a hidden tax increase on every resident. Monroe taxpayers are already paying more this year, and under the Rooney agenda, those costs will only rise. Neglect today guarantees higher taxes tomorrow. That is not fiscal prudence; it is a costly mistake we all pay for.
Leon Ambrosey has been clear: he will not support changing the character of Monroe with cluster housing that would overcrowd our schools under the false promise of additional tax revenue. Instead, he supports honest planning, transparency, and a responsible approach that allows residents to make informed choices.
That is real leadership.
Alan Vaglivelo
Alan Vaglivelo, a Democrat serving on the Board of Education, is Leon Ambrosey’s campaign manager.
Alan: you have been on board of Ed forever. So where was the 5 and 10 year plan to anticipate this potential tax increase? Where were you with suggestions for over crowding in our school, where were you about standing up against state unfunded mandates, where were you regarding curriculum shortfalls, where were you regarding COVID online teaching , which we all know was a failure. Before you start poking at candidates take a good look at what you have been doing to solve or anticipate adverse tax implications for the citizens of Monroe instead of just asking for money.
I’ve said this before. I moved to Monroe 52 years ago to get away from the over building with crowded high tax supported schools on Long Island. That was caused by the zoning changes of the ’40s and ’50s. I chose Monroe because of the 1, 2, and 3 acre zoning. The open space left by cluster building will be swept away when developers need more land. And the future problems of inadequate water and sewerage facilities will be a constant burden for the town.