The ‘Old Boys Network’ At Work

To the Editor:

At the “open” special meeting to determine the next step in Newtown’s police chief situation, I witnessed what I believe the arbitrator’s report said was wrong. The lack of communication that was stated clearly through all of the documents was absolutely apparent at this meeting. However, the lack of communication was clearly on the part of the commission. In setting the agenda, they did not allow for any open discussion though the public was invited to attend. This meeting was intended to be an open meeting, but the only thing open was the commission’s humiliation of a human being. As arrogant as any public meeting I have attended or participated in, the meeting lasted about two minutes with a motion to terminate the chief. The commission voted and left the room without even the courtesy of trying to justify their position. This is clearly a case of the “old boys network.” The only bright spot of the night was when a prominent member of the town stated that the commission should resign, not the chief, which generated a round of applause.

In speaking with the first selectman after the meeting who did have the courtesy to stay, he clearly took the easy way out by stating he does not have final say in the matter. Once again this is clearly a case of the town not communicating even amongst themselves. The report stated “I equally strongly recommend that a sincere attempt be made between the (commission) and the chief to re-establish a relationship reinstating the chief which will…benefit both of them and, more particularly, the people of Newtown.” If the first selectman clearly understood the needs of the town he would have been a more active participant in preparing the agenda.

The meeting took my heart away to see a man destroyed the way the commission destroyed the chief. The commission made the chief give up his car immediately with an escort to insure all of the town property was returned.  The only thing I can hope as I spread the word to my friends in town they react the same way I did and see the need to change the town management now before its too late.

Michael LaPerch

PO Box 836, Newtown                       March 2, 2000