Decision To Hire Lysaght Was Correct

The following open letter to police commissioners James Riley, chairman, Robert Connor, Carol Mattegat, Charles Pilchard, and Richard Simon has been received for publication:

The arbitrator’s lengthy report is now in and it’s time for commission members to respond. Already local papers have commented on the arbitrator’s decision. Probably the commissioners and The Newtown Bee will receive additional letters. After sitting through the hearing at the library and listening to opinions of other town residents, we have formed some thoughts we would like to share with you before your decision is made.

It seems clear to us that your original decision to hire James Lysaght to become our police chief was a correct decision. He has very good qualifications for the position. In his report the arbitrator states “the record demonstrates that Chief Lysaght is a competent, energetic and enthusiastic police officer.” He works very hard and cares about the welfare of Newtown – his town. He and his family are good additions and contributing members of our community.

If Chief Lysaght is dismissed and we go through the long and expensive process of finding another candidate, there is no assurance our town would be better served. In fact, given the same set of directions to a new police chief without proper commission oversight and support, one could predict the same set of results would occur.

While the arbitrator reluctantly concluded that there is just cause for removal of the chief, he also recommended that a sincere attempt be made to reestablish a relationship with the chief and to reinstate him. We strongly suggest the Board of Police Commissioners accept Mr Murphy’s recommendation and resolve that the members will work closely with the chief to get those things done that are important to Newtown. We need the strengths that both the commission members and the police chief bring to the job to make it work for the town’s benefit.

Respectfully,

Les Burroughs, Charles Letty,

Paul Gehrett, Nelson Roberts

Newtown                                                                      March 1, 2000