To the editor,
There is a certain group of officials in Naugatuck who are aiming to build their own empire. How? By undermining and/or eliminating the hard work and integrity of established organizations/associations in town.
They think they are being discreet about it and no one will find out until it’s too late.
Members of the historical society worked hard to create and provide the right atmosphere of interest and learning about local history. The railroad station is a very suitable location, all on one level, handicap accessible and it also has adequate parking.
Along comes this committee. Are they board members or are the members bored?
They decide to move the historical society — really uproot them — and relocate them to the Tuttle House, a totally inadequate situation; a location that is not handicapped accessible, lacks adequate parking and is very risky and unsafe when entering or exiting from the street by auto. They will sell the railroad station. Then how are they going to divert the money from that sale?
Oh, that’s not enough damage and recklessness. Now the joint boards want to get rid of the Naugatuck VNA also. Of course the boards wouldn’t do it blunt enough to use the term “get rid of,” but that is the reality of what is happening. And how would they divert the funds from that?
The boards use a lot of smooth talk by using terms such as merger, partnership and privatization, when they are actually shoving their decisions down the VNA’s throat. Tell it like it is folks.
The Naugatuck VNA is the most valuable asset Naugatuck has. They are angels of the roadways. This group of Naugatuck officials doesn’t have a clue how valuable the VNA and their services are. They do not understand the depth of need this town has for the VNA services. The board does not comprehend the extent and quality of care each patient receives.
Did the board members think they were saving the town money when they hire Blum, Shapiro & Co. to create this so-called strategic plan. How much are they being paid? This wasted fortune could probably fund the VNA for at least a couple of years.
Virginia Donnelly
Naugatuck
Editor’s note: Blum, Shapiro & Co. was hired for $62,000 to perform the study. The Naugatuck VNA’s budget this year is $1.2 million and revenue from patient insurance is projected at $950,000.
