To the Editor:
Monroe has long been a place where families invest in their children’s future, drawn by strong schools and a community that values education. That’s why it was alarming to hear our First Selectman dismiss this reality, stating that our town is “not all about children” while cutting $1.8 million from the education budget
Families move here for the schools, and home values are directly tied to their strength. Undermining education weakens our town’s long-term appeal and financial stability.
While tax relief for seniors is not a bad decision, we also need a balanced approach that supports all residents while maintaining the institutions that make Monroe desirable. Overcrowding in our elementary schools is already a growing concern, yet instead of acknowledging this problem, the first selectman chooses to dismiss it.
Beyond education, we should also prioritize attracting new businesses to strengthen our economy. Bradford Green sits nearly empty — why aren’t we working with the owner to bring in businesses and generate revenue? Sustainable economic growth would support long-term financial stability for Monroe.
Additionally, the recent “hacking” of a Board of Finance public hearing was not a sophisticated cyberattack, but rather the result of poor security practices. Publicly posting meeting passwords invites disruption. It is very easy for some kids to acquire a VPN, and pose as an IP coming in from anywhere in the world.
As someone with experience in IT and cybersecurity, I know there are simple, effective measures that could prevent future incidents and protect our town’s digital infrastructure. Unfortunately, budget cuts to education could further limit shared technology integration, making it even harder to implement necessary protections.
Monroe has great potential, but we need leadership that understands why families move here and what will keep our town strong in the future. Ignoring families in the hope they will forget the damage to education on Election Day is not the answer.
Thank you,
Benjamin Sabia
