Flatto goes flat

To the Editor:

The scariest and most random event in the history of Fairfield University has come and gone. The university and the town as a whole community worked exceptionally well together to end this potentially dangerous confrontation. However one characteristic of all the television broadcasts struck me as disturbing: First Selectman Ken Flatto.

Flatto, an ardent supporter of an end to Lantern Point, appeared on the television cameras at every opportunity. Flatto has alienated students of Fairfield University in the past and he is now attempting to capitalize on some quick media coverage. We as a university cannot stand for this.

When the media asked questions of Fairfield Police Sargent or the Public Relations Representative for Fairfield University, they expected those specialists to answer. Not to receive a half-truth from the First Selectman who had no answers for the media, and had no personal relationship or experience with any of the persons involved.

He interjected simply to garner more media exposure for himself, not to provide comfort for those involved in this tragedy. His actions disgusted myself and the other various people in the room as we all noticed Flatto’s simple ploy to gain publicity and put a better face on his local government.

We as a university community, and as members of the Fairfield community, cannot allow our misfortunes to be exploited by the local politicians who have done nothing but harrass and criticize Fairfield University for the past decades. I would strongly urge all students and members of the university community to place calls, write letters, or send emails to the First Selectman of Fairfield in order to help enlighten Mr. Kenneth Flatto in the ways of morals and proper political actions.

Exploitation of a hostage situation that placed an entire university into a state of fear, and blatant self-promotion through the interruption of a police and university press conference are unacceptable actions. We must have our voices heard and say that we will no longer sit idly by while our concerns and issues are ignored in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Sincerely,

David M Hirx ’03