Local, State, and National LWV

Programs for 2006-2007

 Support Positions: (updated and reaffirmed -  2006) 

Sleep and Adolescent Health - Based on research and its survey of the New Canaan school community, the League of Women Voters of New Canaan believes that adolescent sleep deprivation is a serious public health issue that must be addressed.

Inadequate sleep exacts a profound toll on students’ learning, cognition, mental and physical health, behavior and safety.  Sleep is not simply a resting state, but an active process that restores, replenishes and consolidates mental, physical and emotional function.

In order for the link between sufficient sleep and personal achievement to be better understood, the League recommends that information about sleep be incorporated into educational programs in New Canaan Public Schools.

As the current 7:30 a.m. start time is incompatible with the sleep needs of adolescents, the League also recommends that the New Canaan Public Schools investigate all options to implement a later opening bell for 7^th through 12^th graders. We believe that this action will help create a more productive learning environment and be more consistent with the developmental needs of our adolescents.

Community education is an important component of this initiative as well. The League will continue to provide programs and materials to inform the public about the importance of sleep and the factors that can contribute to sleep deprivation.

Town Charter  - The League of Women Voters of New Canaan recommends that the Town establish a working committee to review the Town Charter every five years and that the League monitor these activities.

Housing – The League of Women Voters of New Canaan supports the position that New Canaan has the responsibility to help alleviate the shortage of low and moderate housing.  The League supports the new provisions for accessory apartments in all residential zones.

Quality Education – The League of Women Voters of New Canaan supports the Town’s efforts to provide the highest quality education possible, which includes a continuous curriculum review plan for grades K-12, a long-range school facilities plan, and a long-range strategy for continuous improvement.  The LWNC continues to support the Town’s  NCHS Renovation Project.

Recreation – The New Canaan LWV recommends that the Town develop a long-range plan to maintain, expand and improve public recreational programs and facilities in New Canaan in accordance with our recreation position and that this plan be subject to periodic review.

Open Space – The LWVNC strongly recommends that open space preservation needs to be addressed by the Town.   The  current 2 and 4 acre zoning is inadequate to preserve the sense of open space in our town.  Therefore, the Town should actively pursue all opportunities to acquire new public lands through legitimate negotiations with property owners.  When appropriate, the Town should collaborate with private agencies to acquire open space.

Conservation - The LWVNC recommends that the Town take the necessary steps to preserve and manage the public lands held by the Town.  The Town should have a long-range plan and the personnel necessary to accomplish these purposes.   Zoning regulations should reflect the desire of the Town to keep its semi wooded character and they should be strengthened by legal sanction and enforced by Town officials.

 Public Awareness – The League of Women Voters of New Canaan should undertake activities to increase awareness among the citizens of New Canaan regarding State of Connecticut legislative issues and governmental activities.

Position to be Studied:

Environment – The League of Women Voters of New Canaan believes in the importance of safeguarding our environment.  To that end, we support the active application of our state and national positions to local environmental concerns.  Of continuing importance is water quality and the use and disposition of water company properties as they pertain to New Canaan.