To the Editor:

I appreciate that Mr. Dodson has taken the time to write a well thought out and reasoned reply. I had asked for someone else to get out a calculator and do the math. Mr. Dodson has done that. I don't agree with his math or his reasoning but I'm glad someone else is thinking critically about the issues. I think it is the same unsubstantiated collection of bad math and statistical pretzeling that has passed for information for too long in Killingworth. I'll agree to this much; my math is bad, Mr. Dodson's isn't much better. I'm sure Mr. Dodson and I could argue these points without agreement ad infinitum. I think the citizens of Killingworth deserve better answers than two amateurs can provide. I'll sit on that commission. I await my appointment.

For a quick review on how Mr. Dodson feels about children drop by the library and pick up a copy of the spring 2001 Land Trust Newsletter. Actually read them all if you get a chance. They are a study in unchecked mathematical hyperbole mixed with poorly disguised xenophobia. Good stuff.

We all have our points of view concerning the future of Killingworth. While I disagree wholeheartedly with Mr. Klein's direction I don't question Mr. Klein or Mr. Dodson's commitment to the future of Killingworth. As a life member, along with my entire family, of the Killingworth Land Trust I appreciate the need for open space. Mr. Dodson has incorrectly deduced my interest in the Wettish parcel largely by conjecture. No one would be happier to see the town empty it's pockets to improve my view.

I think in all the discussion about taxes and children we have lost the central point of my original letter.

1) Is the purchase of open space a public good no matter how much open space you already have? At what price?
2) Why are we buying the Wettish property? Is it for playing fields? If so, where is the proposal for those fields?
3) The Venuti property is much better suited for fields, recreation and schools. Have all the options been exhausted there? I think the Venuti's would be open to all kinds of ideas that allow them to profit fairly from their land that may also address our needs.
4) How does the purchase of the Wettish property solve our current needs? Does it move us any closer to playing fields, affordable housing, a Town Center?

I look forward to the discussion!

Tom Smith