To the Editor:

Dear Newtown Community,

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Philip J. Cruz and I have been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee to run as a candidate for the Police Commission in this year’s election. I have seen many changes occur over the past 42 years since I have lived here and like many I want our community to continue to change and grow.

Newtown will need people who have the vision and leadership qualities to help navigate its way through the difficult process of change, conflict and growth. I am an individual who has those qualities and is capable of meeting any challenges that will help Newtown grow in a moderate fashion.

I believe my experiences make me one of the best candidates for the police commission.

*I am a retired United States Army Officer and a graduate of the Command and General Staff Leadership College, holding many leadership positions during my 25 year Army career.

*I understand community concerns regarding school children’s safety being a Newtown teacher for the past 28 years and holding many leadership positions.

* I have been the president of Newtown Federation of Teachers Local 1727 responsible for the contractual welfare of 428 teachers.

*I served for five years on the Planning and Wetland Commissions for the city of Danbury.

*Served as an alternate member on the Newtown Planning and Zoning for two years.

*Served as a voting member on the Newtown Water Sewer Authority for four years

* I have 17 years of sales and management experience in the electronics industry working for companies such as Intel, National Semiconductor, and Fairchild Semiconductor.

This year’s Democratic slate is one of experience, leadership, and understanding:

Experience — Having the right people with the right qualifications in place ready to govern.

Leadership — Having candidates with the skills to take our community to its next level.

Understanding — Having individuals who know how much our community can grow without the pains of doing it too fast.

That is why all the Democratic candidates who are running for the Police Commission believe that the following campaign promises are simple, clear, and achievable:.

The Democratic slate will:

*Continue to appoint, promote, suspend, and remove Town police officers, as well as serve as the traffic authority for the town of Newtown.

*Continue to support a nonpartisan approach to the Police Commission that has served our Town well.

*Support traffic safety, including proper markings for our roads.

*Pass and promote police regulations supporting best practices for our police department.

*Hire and promote qualified officer candidates who demonstrate commitment to the Town, our citizens and upholding our laws and protection of our citizens.

*Support and strengthen Newtown’s schools and Town communities through education, mentorship, and police/community awareness programs.

So, please get out and vote this year to make your voice heard. I want to say thank you for your support so we can achieve all our goals for our Community and please vote for me.

Sincerely

Philip J. Cruz