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On Deaf Ears

Evidently Nicole Penta [May 11 letter “Think Twice”] actually believes that if Sal Maltese attended any of the Town Council’s budget meetings, that would actually make a difference or change the outcome of the town’s budget. No matter who attended or spoke, that would have no effect on what was ultimately approved. The Town Council just doesn’t care what the public has to say.

According to her letter she was “shocked to learn” that Mr. Maltese never attended any of the budget meetings, so I guess her complaint isn’t based on firsthand knowledge, for she didn’t attend any herself.

If she attended any of these hearings, does she think if she spoke up about a budget issue like the raises Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., handed out would actually change that outcome? If she raised a concern about the Board of Education’s budget and the still-unclear happenings with its overspending of $918,000, would it make any difference? Public comments are basically falling on deaf ears.

Sal Maltese knows very well what goes on regarding the financial status of East Haven. He doesn’t need to sit and watch the Town Council rubber stamp everything Maturo sends it. Like I said, comments would fall on deaf ears.

I wonder if Penta is also aware that the budget approved by the Board of Finance is a different budget the mayor sends to the Town Council. Why even have a Board of Finance?

Robert Redente

East Haven