You Can't Scare Us!

You Can't Scare Us!

By Judy Pavlak, Winsted

In the July 25 issue of the Waterbury Republican-American [Winsted gets a tax reduction], Margaret Johnson was quoted as warning that this year's budget cuts will mean a loss in services. Less services? Impossible! Even after our town manager got her large budget increase last year, there was little service provided by our town government. For example, when I called Margaret a couple of months ago to complain about our neighbors keeping ducks, geese and chickens that were roaming through the neighborhood, she assured me the matter would be resolved. Ho hum!

We still are greeted by the bird messes on our lawns and porches along with dug-up flowers. People in this area have always taken great pride in their property, keeping it neat and attractive. Now every time it rains sidewalks are slippery with animal droppings. Even worse, the critters strut up and down the hill with no fear—as if they were paying the taxes.

At first it was scary hearing screeching brakes and seeing cars swerving. Our first thought was, "Did a child get hit?" Now we just sigh and say that must be one of the barnyard gang that doesn't know where they live. Even Selectman Karen Beadle has had to slam on her brakes to save a chicken's life.

When we heard nothing from Town Manager Johnson, in disgust we started making calls to other authorities. Our first call was to the regional public health officer. His reply was that it wasn't his responsibility and to try our local planning and zoning commission. All we got there was that it was legal to keep poultry within the city limits. Even when they are damaging other people’s property? The answer was: "Call the police!"

We did, and even though we explained the animals were hindering traffic and could cause an accident, the police dispatcher maintained, "It isn't our jurisdiction. Call the animal control officer; this is his job." The animal control officer was very polite. He told us he would look up "poultry control" in his book and even call Hartford if need be to find the regulations. "I'll call you back," he said. Our phone isn't out of order and has a voicemail feature, but we still haven't received a call.

Selectman Beadle was not happy with the situation, either. She planned to make some phone calls herself. Good luck, Karen. Maybe a selectman has more pull than the average taxpayer.

Well, Margaret, with this as an example of the marvelous service the average citizen got out of last year's budget with its large increase, you can't scare us with threatening less service on this year's budget. As the old saying goes: "You don't miss what you never had." Thanks for all your help!